Five properties were damaged by intentionally lit fires on the eastern side of Lake Taupö. Photo / File
Police are asking for help after five homes were targetted in early-morning arsons around Lake Taupō - one with a family asleep inside.
In the early hours of Sunday, five properties were damaged by intentionally lit fires on the eastern side of Lake Taupö in Tauranga Taupö, Waitetoko and Hatepe.
A family was asleep inside the Hatepe home at the time the fire was lit, however, they were able to leave without injury or loss of life.
Two of the houses were destroyed.
Detective Sergeant Andy Livingstone said incidents such as this were extremely distressing, particularly for those involved, but also for the wider community.
