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Police launched a homicide investigation after a man was killed in a house fire in East Auckland.
A police spokesman said a post-mortem examination of the victim, Wiremu Arapo, has led them to treat the matter as a suspect.
“A team of researchers has been formed to work on the investigation.”
DAVID BLANCO / THINGS
The remains of the Cockle Bay house where Wiremu Arapo died.
The fire engulfed the Cockle Bay home in October, killing Arapo and two other people were taken to Middlemore Hospital in Auckland.
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* The man who died in the Cockle Bay house fire in Auckland was Wiremu Arapo, 27.
* The man who died in a house fire in Auckland’s Cockle Bay was only two meters from the exit
At the time, a local fire service commander said Arapo was found near a door, but could not say whether the 27-year-old had been trying to escape or had returned to the home.
Neighbor Mike Rowse said he heard repeated small explosions when the fire broke out.
“It didn’t take long to lose control,” he said.
As fire raged through the house, Rowse saw a distraught, shirtless young man strolling outside.
“He called, saying there was someone inside the house.”
east fm / Supplied
A neighbor said he heard several small explosions when the fire broke out.
The rental residents had only been there about a year, Rowse said.
Police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Anyone with information can contact Manukau County Police at (09) 261 1321.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
