All five occupants were asleep when a couch on the front deck was "deliberately set alight", police said. Photo: RNZ / REECE BAKER
Police investigating a suspicious house fire in Whangārei are seeking information about a vehicle seen in the area.
Officers were called to a home on Raumanga Valley Road at about 6.20am on Wednesday.
All five occupants were asleep when a couch on the front deck was "deliberately set alight", police said. All occupants were able to evacuate safely.
Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer said witnesses described seeing a white or silver-coloured vehicle around the time of the fire.
"We are interested in hearing from anyone who may have seen this white or silver-coloured car around Raumanga Valley Road or Mahana Place, between 5.45am and 6.15am on Wednesday," Detective Senior Sergeant Pilmer said.
"If you saw a vehicle matching the description, please contact us.
"Even the smallest piece of information could be valuable to the investigation."
Police still wanted to hear from anyone who might have seen any suspicious activity before or after the fire, including anyone with dashcam footage.
Those with information are asked to update Police online now or call 105, using the reference number 250924/3224. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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