"Police investigate house fire in Whangarei"

Police are investigating a fire that occurred at a Whangarei house early this morning.

Police and the Fire Service were called to the fire on Smeaton Drive about 4am.

The occupants who lived at the address were not present at the time.

They were staying at another address in a nearby street.

The house was destroyed by the fire and Police are treating it as suspicious.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dene Begbie said the fire may be linked to a number of disorder incidents in the area earlier that night.

About 12.45am Police responded to reports of people fighting outside an address in Tauroa Street. When they arrived they arrested two women, aged 19 years.

They were both charged with fighting in a public place, taken back to the Whangarei Police Station and given a written warning.
Following that incident Police were called on two more occasions, but each time people in the street dispersed and everything calmed down.

Mr Begbie said Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed events in Smeaton Drive and Tauroa Street from midnight to 4am.

They would also like to hear from anyone who has information about the fire or disorder incidents.

Anyone with information can call Whangarei Police on 09 430 4500 or if they want to remain anonymous they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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