Search for arson clues

CLUE SEARCH: Fire safety officer Kevin Holmes (left) leads the search for arson clues with (from right) volunteer support officer Callan Stewart, Te Awamutu officer in charge Michael Kimber and constable Bernadette Kelly. 332061AD

Police and fire safety officers are treating a blaze at Te Mawhai in the early hours of Monday morning as arson.

The unoccupied home was well involved when the emergency call was received at 3.40am. Officer in charge Michael Kimber put in a second call for assistance when his crew could see the fire from Kihikihi.

The house was completely destroyed by the fire and firefighters concentrated on protecting nearby properties.

As well as being empty at the time, electricity to the house had been disconnected last week, so it is being treated as highly suspicious.

Constable Bernadette Kelly says anyone with any information about the blaze, or who saw any suspicious activity in the Te Mawhai region in the early hours of Monday morning, should contact the police on 872 0100 in confidence.