Police are hunting for a suspected teenage arsonist after a suspicious fire in Waihi yesterday.
Detective Simon Everson said a house caught fire in Mataura Rd early yesterday morning.
"In what appears to be a completely random attack, our victims heard what they describe as a young, teenage, male's voicenear where the fire started about 2.40am and also heard people running off."
He said the fire was suspected to have been set alight deliberately.
"We can confirm an accelerant was used to initiate the blaze, which damaged the garage of the property and are looking into want type of container and initiator was used."
He said a quick reaction by the property's occupants helped avoid serious damage to the property.
Police searched the scene but did not fid anyone, he said.
"At this stage we are appealing to the public for information on who may have been responsible and especially ask parents who may noticed their children's clothing smelling of petrol either on the Sunday or today to contact us.
