Arson suspected in house fire

A fire that gutted a Palmerston North house early today was arson, police say.

Emergency services were called to the blaze on the corner of Esk and Tyne Sts about 3am.

By the time they put it out it had caused extensive damage to the empty Housing New Zealand house.

Detective Constable Andy Livingstone said an initial scene examination suggested the fire was suspicious and police were investigating it as arson.

Police would like to speak to anyone who was in the area between 1am and 3am, who might have seen anything suspicious.

- NZPA