Fire investigators say the fire that badly damaged a Dunedin house late on Sunday is suspicious, and the matter will be put in the hands of police.
The Fire Service was called to the property in Clermiston Ave, Corstorphine, about 10pm on Sunday, but the fire was fully involved when crews arrived.
A neighbour said the previous tenants had been ''kicked out'' about a week ago, and the owner of the property yesterday confirmed they had been evicted.
Specialist fire investigator, Station Officer Mike Harrison, said yesterday afternoon a scene examination had been completed.
''From that examination, it appears the fire is suspicious.''
The Fire Service investigation was ongoing, and officers had still to look at the information collected, and write their reports.
Detective Senior Sergeant Malcolm Inglis said police were in the early stages of the inquiry. It was too early to say whether anybody was being considered as a suspect.
Owner Richard Hunter, of Dunedin, said the home, which was insured, was an investment property.
