Student flat damaged in suspicious blaze

Fire safety officers are investigating a suspicious fire that extensively damaged a student flat in Christchurch early today.

Firefighters were called to the house in the suburb of Riccarton just after 2.30am.

Crews were told somebody could have been inside the building, but after a search of the property, nobody was found, Christchurch Metro Area Commander Dan Coward said.

The property was extensively damaged with the roof partially collapsed in one area.

Fire safety officers were investigating the blaze and at this stage as it was considered suspicious, Mr Coward said.

The property had working smoke alarms, fitted correctly.

- NZPA