Fatal fire victim still unidentified

A blaze gutted a Far North home where police found the body of a man they had tried to negotiate out of the building for about four hours. Photo / Supplied

Police are still trying to identify a person who died in a Northland fire after an Armed Offenders Squad callout.

Emergency services were alerted to the fire at a Mangamuka property south of Kaitaia about 12.30am yesterday.

Armed Offenders Squad members attempted to get inside the house to rescue the occupant but had to pull back due to a number of explosions.

An explosive device, believed to be a grenade, was later found by police when they entered the house.

Police said although the fire destroyed the house, a number of items have been located.

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A scene examination was continuing. However, they needed to ensure areas of the scene were safe before they continued.

They were still working to identify the body found in the house.

Police have also confirmed the AOS were called to the property, at 2.30pm on Sunday following reports of a firearm being discharged.

Northland police spokeswoman Sarah Kennett said there was a dispute at the property over a trespass matter.