Attempted arson at Stokes Valley house

Lower Hutt Police are appealing for help in finding two women in a white car who were seen outside a Stokes Valley house shortly before it was damaged in a suspicious fire on Saturday afternoon.

Detective Constable Mike Philpott, Lower Hutt CIB, said the internal garage of the split level rental property in Manor Drive, Stokes Valley, was gutted in the 2.45pm blaze. The rest of the property was badly smoke damaged.

He said a teenage girl living at the house had arrived home unaware of the fire until she was inside and smelled the smoke. "She then ran around rescuing the family's pets before escaping outside."

The girl was treated at Hutt Hospital for smoke inhalation.

Police want information about two women in a white car who were seen outside the house shortly before the fire broke out. The fire started in the garage and spread.

If anyone has information that can help the arson investigation, please contact Detective Constable Philpott, Lower Hutt CIB, on telephone: 04 560 2618.