An east Auckland school is grappling with tragedy after one of its pupils died in a fatal house fire last week.
Emergency services were called to the blaze at a two-storey property in Murvale Drive, Bucklands Beach, at about 2.30am last Thursday.
Two people at the house died and three others were injured. Two of the survivors were hospitalised with injuries ranging from minor to serious.
An investigation into the incident is being carried out by Counties Manukau Police’s criminal investigation branch.
On Wednesday this week Counties Manukau Police’s crime manager, Detective Inspector Tofilau Faamanuia Va’aelua, said police are treating the fire as a double homicide.
He said the two victims are believed to be a 36-year-old father and an 11-year-old boy.
“I can confirm the fire at the home was deliberately lit. Three people were able to escape, but sadly two did not, and they were found deceased in the home.”
Va’aelua said the investigation team has worked tirelessly since the incident to determine what happened.
The presence of an accelerant has been found at the scene, but forensic analysis on it is yet to be completed.
“A scene examination was completed on Sunday but due to ongoing forensic analysis, the scene remains under police guard.”
Post-mortem examinations have been completed on the two victims who died.
The two victims who were hospitalised have since been discharged.
A fifth person, who was a border at the property, was not injured, Va’aelua said.
“Police have moved to an area canvass and CCTV phase of the investigation and we are asking for the public’s help.”
Va’aelua said police want to hear from anyone who lives on or near Murvale Drive and has CCTV footage of the street in the days and hours leading up to the fire.
“Nothing is too small or irrelevant. The family at the heart of this has been completely shattered.
“We are providing them with support with assistance from other agencies.
“It is imperative we find the person or persons responsible.”
Bucklands Beach Intermediate School deputy principal Will Roper has confirmed the 11-year-boy who died in the fire was a pupil at the school.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with their family, friends, and all those affected at this very difficult time,” he says.
“Support is being made available to students, staff, and families within our school community.
“We ask that the privacy of the family is respected as they grieve their loss.”
A Givealittle fundraising page has been established to support the family. People can contribute online at: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/bucklands-beach-house-fire
People with information can contact police on 105 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
