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Police want photos and videos the public took of a house fire in East Auckland where a man died.
Former soldier Wiremu Arapo, 27, died just two meters from the exit of the Minerva Tce rental property, Cockle Bay, while engulfed in flames on the night of October 20.
A murder investigation was launched last month because a post-mortem examination of Arapo’s body led them to treat the matter as a suspect.
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.
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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
Part of the house’s superstructure is still standing, but half the roof is missing and the interior is a charred mess.
Acting Detective Sgt. Craig Bolton of Manukau East Counties Police said police are aware that many people in the area had taken photos or video of the fire.
George Block / Stuff
The remains of the Cockle Bay house where Wiremu Arapo died.
“The police are asking people to send their images to help with our investigation,” Bolton said.
“We are specifically asking for images before, during and after the fire.”
Bolton said officials still wanted to know from anyone who has not yet submitted information about any suspicious activity at the address, or from anyone with knowledge of the fire and who is responsible.
He said an online portal had been created for people to submit images.
east fm / Supplied
The fire at the Cockle Bay home is part of a homicide investigation.
Arapo ran a personal training business out of the home’s garage, and neighbors said clients could be seen coming and going regularly the long way.
Before Covid-19, he worked as a personal trainer in Auckland gyms before setting up a home store.
Arapo previously served for five years as a crew member in the Army, according to his Linkedin profile.
Anyone with information can contact the police at 105 and cite file number 201021/0932.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
