Investigations continue at the scene of the fire. Photo / Alan Gibson.
Robbers who tied up a hotel owner and threatened to set him on fire have been blamed for the huge blaze that gutted the building soon after.
Pinelands Motor Hotel in Kawerau was irreparably damaged after the building was set alight soon after closing time two weeks ago.
Detective Sergeant
Ross Everest of the Whakatane police confirmed the fire was deliberately lit by two men who had robbed the pub of cash and spirits. He also said the owner, Dennis Angus, was the victim of a callous attack immediately before the fire.
"The publican ... was doused with an accelerant, tied up and later saw his livelihood burn down before his eyes."
Mr Angus said the police had asked him not to speak to the media.
Sources close to the family said that shortly after 2am, two men pretending to make a goods delivery asked Mr Angus to let them into the hotel.
He refused because of the late hour, but they told him they could not deliver at any other time.
When the two men were allowed entry, one struck the publican with a block of wood, tied him up and doused him with petrol.
The sources said a lighter was flicked over Mr Angus's head at least 20 times as the men demanded money from the safe.
It was believed the thieves were familiar with the layout of the hotel.
Mr Everest said the robbers had been dressed in black track pants and black hoodies.
Their faces were obscured by a red scarf and a black scarf.
They made off with drawstring backpacks full of spirits and cash from the hotel's two safes.
The Fire Service was called soon after and sent 10 units and 40 firefighters to extinguish the inferno.
Neighbours said the firefighters found Mr Angus on the lawn outside, reeking of petrol.
The publican said he was coping well after the assault.
Ninety per cent of the hotel interior, including a sports bar and gaming area, was gutted and he said the building was beyond salvaging.
