There is a call in the Cook Islands for police to step up investigations into a spate of unexplained fires.
Former Australian detective inspector Rod Henderson, who now lives on Rarotonga Photo: RNZI/Florence Syme Buchanan
A retired Australia police detective, Rod Henderson, who now lives on Rarotonga, believes the recent fires are the work of arsonists.
He said the fires had similarities to events in 2012 and 2013 which police considered arson and for which they offered a substantial reward.
Mr Henderson said his concern was that people could die in the fires and he wants police to be more pro-active.
He suggested they conduct a door knock in the area where the fires are occurring and encourage the people to reveal what they know.
"I think it would behove the police to get out and do a co-ordinated and concerted door knock, to cover the whole island if it is necessary, because we don't want more lives lost. In this case just recently up in the vally two ladies were in a house and were lucky to escape with their lives."
