A Hamilton police officer and his family were shaken but unhurt following an arson at their home early today.

Detective Senior Sergeant Glenn Dunbier of Hamilton CIB said the policeman woke shortly before 5am to find a small fire at the front of the house.

He called the Fire Service and removed his family before dousing the fire, only to discover several other fires also burning at other points around the house.

Mr Dunbier said the officer and his family were shifting out of the home today anyway.

"While that's a good thing in some ways, it's sad that their last night there was under those circumstances.

"The family were very shaken up by it but unhurt."

Police had undertaken a scene examination today and were continuing their inquiries, he said.

- NZPA