Arsonists blamed for damage to historic family store

Photo / Hawke's Bay Today

A blaze that badly damaged a century-old family business in Hawkes Bay is believed to be arson, after three men were filmed at the scene.

A storeroom and rear deck at Winlove's 100 per cent electrical store in Waipukurau were gutted in the inferno, which could be seen 10km away and caused a ceiling to collapse on firefighters. None were seriously injured.

The store was saved by firefighters who were called to the scene at 10.40pm on Thursday. It was the first of two suspicious fires in the area that night; police believe they may be connected.

Detective Constable Lisa Tod of the Criminal Investigation Bureau in Hastings said police wanted to speak to three men seen on CCTV footage at the rear of the Winlove's building.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Owen Spotswood said it took "the best part of an hour" to get the blaze under control.