The corner where the couch once sat is now blackened, and a window of the french doors is smashed after it was probably blown out by the heat from the fire. Photo / Brodie Stone
The corner where the couch once sat is now blackened, and a window of the french doors is smashed after it was probably blown out by the heat from the fire. Photo / Brodie Stone
Police say they have found holes from a slug gun in one of the windows of a Raumanga property that is the subject of an arson investigation.
Police were called to the property on Wednesday when a fire broke out, causing extensive damage to the front of the home.
Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer said a couch was deliberately set alight.
Officers visited the home yesterday to find two new holes in one of the windows, which weren’t there when the fire happened.
“We believe these have been caused by a slug gun and, at this stage, we are unable to say if the two incidents are connected,” Pilmer said.
Just metres away on the other side of the wall, a couch had been set ablaze.
The man did not know whether those responsible had intended to burn down the house, but said it was clear the incident was “malicious”.
Pilmer previously said it was fortunate that nobody was killed by the fire.
Anyone who might have seen suspicious activity before or after the fire is encouraged to contact police.
They especially want to hear from anyone in the Raumanga Valley Rd area who might have CCTV or dashcam footage from between 5.30am and 6am on Wednesday.
Information can be supplied by calling 105, online using reference number 250924/3224, or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.
