By 1news.co.nz and is republished with permission

A homicide investigation has been launched after a person was found dead inside a home following a “suspicious” house fire in Waitaanga, Ruapehu District, two weeks ago.

Emergency services were called to the home on Waitaanga Rd around 8am on October 12.

“A post-mortem examination has been completed and we are now treating the death as suspicious,” Detective Inspector Brent Matuku said in a statement today.

Police are working to formally identify the person.

“We know this will be of concern to people in Waitaanga and police have had an increased presence in the area as the investigation progresses,” he said.

“We are continuing to make inquiries, but also want to encourage anyone with information to get in contact with us.

“Even the smallest detail could be a missing piece of the puzzle that brings justice for the deceased.”