Police are investigating a fire which gutted a car in a North Dunedin car park early yesterday.
The circumstances surrounding the fire are still unclear, but the Fire Service said it appeared to have been burning for some time before emergency services were called to the scene, at Bracken View lookout off Lovelock Ave about 6am.
It followed three car fires in suburbs in Dunedin's West Harbour last month and another in a hotel car park in North Dunedin in March. It was unclear if the fires were linked.
Fire Service fire investigator Mike Harrison said the Fire Service was looking at the issue.
‘‘We have seen a few more car fires recently,'' Mr Harrison said.
‘‘It's a bit of an unusual spike but it's something we are keeping an eye on.''
The Fire Service was working with police to prevent car fires and catch offenders.
A police spokeswoman said they believed the latest fire was suspicious, but would not comment further on the matter.
The car was significantly damaged, Mr Harrison said.‘‘The car appears to have been burning for quite a while.'' It was unclear how it started but the Fire Service would be investigating further this week and assisting police with their investigation.
Police wanted to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious in the Lovelock Ave area early yesterday.
●Dunedin police (03) 471-4800, Crimestoppers 0800-555-111.
