Lower Hutt Police continue investigating suspicious fire

Lower Hutt Police are seeking help from the Taita community following a house fire on Friday night.

Detective Constable Kirsten France of the Lower Hutt CIB says around 11:45pm on Friday 11 May, a house in High Street, between Petherick Street and Watkins Grove in Taita was completely destroyed by fire.

"Initially the fire wasn't deemed suspicious until the completion on a scene examination throughout the course of weekend. We now believe the house had been burgled prior to the house being set alight."

Detective Constable France says a number of women's clothing items and other belongings were taken during the burglary and the house, occupied by a mother and her two children, and all of its contents were completely destroyed by the fire.

"Police would like to hear from anyone who was in this area of Taita on Friday night, between 10:30pm and midnight, who may have seen anyone or anything suspicious, which may assist us in our investigation."

Anyone with any information should phone Lower Hutt Police on (04) 560 2600 or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.