A Japanese restaurant was badly burned and the the Royal Dumpling Yum Cha next door was also damaged. Photo: RNZ / Finn Blackwell
A fire that damaged two businesses in a block of shops on Auckland's Manukau Road is being treated as suspicious, and police are also investigating.
Fire and Emergency were called to the scene at Royal Oak about 6.20am on Monday.
A section of Manukau Road was closed while crews fought the blaze.
Takashi Japanese Kitchen was badly burned and the Royal Dumpling Yum Cha next door was also damaged.
A section of Manukau Road was closed while firefighters fought the blaze. Photo: RNZ / Finn Blackwell
Fire and Emergency said it was treating the blaze as suspicious.
Police said the damage to the Japanese restaurant was extensive and they were making enquiries. They asked for anyone with information to get in contact.
FENZ Senior station officer Ali Rogers said crews had worked hard to prevent the fire spreading to neighbouring businesses.
A fire investigation team would look for the cause of the fire.
The road was reopened by 8.20am.