Police are appealing for help to find a person involved in an alleged arson attack on the Ministry of Social Development service centre in Kaikohe.

A Molotov cocktail was used in an attempt to destroy the building on Memorial Ave, just before 2am on Monday, Northland police said.

Fire and Emergency NZ said the fire was contained to an office in the building, and firefighters managed to put it out within 10 minutes.

However, the MSD service centre will be closed for an indefinite time while the damage is assessed, regional commissioner Graham MacPherson said.

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Police are now looking for a suspect, and are urging people to come forward if they know of someone with suspicious injuries, particularly burns to the face.

“We are appealing for the public’s help in identifying who was involved and we understand this individual may have sustained significant facial injuries due to the attempt,” Northland police said on social media.

Police have already received some information, after the social media appeal on Thursday morning.

Anyone with information on someone who may have new injuries, or any details that can help with the investigation, is urged to contact police on 105 quoting file number 220606/1530, or anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Meanwhile, MacPherson said staff are busy making alternative arrangements for those needing assistance from MSD.

The nearest service centres is 25 minutes’ drive away, in Kawakawa, and the Kerikeri centre is 30 minutes’ drive.

MacPhersaon said clients can access services by visiting MyMSD, calling 0800 559 009 or by visiting the Work and Income website.

“We can assure clients that we are there to provide them with a service when they contact us on the phone or online.”