Police have launched a homicide investigation into a house fire in Cockle Bay last month.
A fire was extinguished at a two-storey house on Minerva Terrace in Cockle Bay on 20 October. Photo: RNZ / Liu Chen
Emergency services were called to the fire on Minerva Terrace on 20 October, where 27-year-old Wiremu Arapo was found dead.
Following a post mortem examination, police are now treating the matter as suspicious.
Two people injured in the fire were taken to hospital at the time and police have spoken to them as part of the investigation.
Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Bolton urged anyone with information about Arapo's death to contact Counties Manukau Police.
"I strongly believe there are people that know what has happened to Mr Arapo and I'm urging them to do the right thing and contact us."
He said while news of a homicide investigation may cause concern in the community, a team of detectives were doing their best to look into the incident.
"We ask anyone who may have information or who witnessed suspicious activity on the evening of 20 October to come forward."