Eight homeless after fire ‘deliberately lit’

A fire that destroyed a family home in West Auckland on Christmas morning was deliberately lit, police believe.

Firefighters were called to the home in Coburg St, Henderson, just before 3am.

All eight occupants escaped without injury but police have issued a statement saying investigations have indicated the fire was deliberately lit.

‘‘A male known to the occupants of the address is assisting police with their inquiries,’’ the statement said.

Neighbour Gadir Maklif said he awoke to what he thought were fireworks coming from next door but soon realised from the screams of the people who had fled the house that it was a big fire.

Four to six people were standing outside, including two children.

The fire took fire crews more than an hour to extinguish.

Maklif said the house would need to be demolished.

‘‘It’s a very sad day for them and it’s sad for us as they are very nice neighbours,’’ Maklif said.