Cause of suspicious Tawhero blaze still unknown

BURNT OUT: Police are still investigating the fire that gutted this Smithfield property 13 days ago.PHOTO/BEVAN CONLEY A-170515WCBRCFIRE01

It is still unclear what started a fire that gutted an unoccupied Tawhero house nearly two weeks ago.

Fire engulfed the Smithfield Rd property in the early hours of May 17.

Police have been treating the incident as suspicious because the house was vacant at the time of the fire and the power had been disconnected.

"At the moment no one has been arrested or connected to that fire," Senior Sergeant Paul Baskett said.

He said the fire could have been deliberate arson or caused by squatters.

"Information from neighbours said people had been coming and going [from the property]," Mr Baskett said.

Anyone with relevant information can contact Whanganui police or anonymously call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.