House fire is suspected arson

Police in Feilding are investigating a suspected arson attack on a house in the town.

Approximately 3am on Sunday, 25 July, Police and the Fire Service were called to a house fire in Marlborough Street, Feilding.

The building was a weatherboard house converted into four flats. Three of the flats were tenanted and the fourth, which appears to be where the fire started, was unoccupied.

Four people in the three tenanted flats were asleep at the time of the fire, but thankfully one occupant woke up and raised the alarm evacuating the other occupants.

The house suffered extensive damage and a letterbox was also set alight.

The Fire Safety Officer and Police have conducted a joint scene examination and believe that the fire was deliberately lit.

Detective Natasha Allan would like to hear from any members of the public who may have been in the area of Marlborough Street, Feilding, during the early hours of Sunday morning or anyone who may assist in this continuing investigation.

Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact Detective Natasha Allan at Feilding Police on 06 323 6363. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.