Police say five people were sleeping in the Whangārei house but they all managed to get out and no one was hurt. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
An early morning house fire where five people were sleeping in Whangārei is being treated as suspicious.
Police were called to a home on Raumanga Valley Road at about 6.20am.
It has been left with extensive damage.
Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmerit said it appeared a couch on the front deck was lit deliberately.
"All five occupants were asleep at the time and were able to evacuate safely," he said in a statement.
"It's fortunate that no one has lost their life, and a homicide investigation is not being commenced."
Enquiries were underway, and there would be a further scene examination, he said.
"We will be working to establish a full picture of why this incident has occurred, and I'm asking anyone who might have seen suspicious activity before or after the fire to contact us."
Police especially want to hear from anyone in the Raumanga Valley Road area who has CCTV, or anyone driving in the area between 5.30am and 6.20am with dash cam footage.
Anyone with information call provide it to police online, by calling 105 and using the reference number 250924/3224 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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