Generic fire truck.
Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Police are investigating the death of a man after a Whangārei house fire they say is suspicious.

Four fire crews were called out to the blaze in the suburb of Tikipunga on Monday where a car was also found ablaze.

FENZ said another fire involving a car happened just before 5am in the same suburb.

Emergency services were called to the house on Thomas Street about 3.09am.

After the fire was put out by FENZ crews a man was found inside the property, police said.

“Despite efforts from first responders, the man had received critical injuries, and sadly died at the scene,” Detective Inspector Al Symonds of Northland CIB said.

Police were making enquiries into the circumstances of the fire, which was being considered as suspicious.

Symonds said the community could expect to see an increased police presence today.

“Police have been at the address overnight speaking to a number of witnesses who were in the area at the time of the incident.

“A scene guard has been in place this morning while a scene examination was commenced, and this will remain in place today as our enquiries continue.”

A post-mortem and formal identification of the victim would be carried out over the coming days.

Police appealed for anyone who was in the area, or had information, to get in touch.