Investigation continues into Kawerau suspicious fire

Eastern Bay of Plenty Police say the investigation into a suspicious fire which destroyed the Pinelands Hotel in Kawerau last week is continuing.

The fire occurred in the early hours of Friday morning, with a two-storey bar area well ablaze by the time emergency services arrived at the scene.

The officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Sergeant Ross Everest from Whakatane Police, says Police are currently speaking to guests who were drinking at the Hotel on Thursday night and Friday morning.

He says a decision about whether the building will be demolished will be made by the local District Council and relevant insurance company.

Detective Sergeant Everest says Police are also investigating a reported aggravated robbery that may have taken place before the fire, and whether an accelerant was used on the victim involved in this robbery and at the scene of the fire.

"We have had some success in tracking down many of the patrons who were at the Hotel that night, however, we would still like to hear from anyone else who may have been either at the Hotel, or in the area, on Thursday night and the early hours of Friday morning."

Please contact Whakatane Police on 07 308 5255.

There will be no further update on this incident today.