Property may have been taken before house fire

Police are investigating whether property was taken from a house in mid Canterbury that caught fire while its occupants were out.

Emergency services were called to the fire at the rural property in Hinds about 11.30pm on Saturday.

The occupants of the house, which was extensively damaged, were not home at the time.

A scene examination today indicated property may have been taken from the house, police said.

Ashburton police asked anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in the Fields Road, Hinds Arundel Road area, or have any other information, to contact them.