Police are investigating a suspicious fire that occurred in Flaxmere, Hastings yesterday afternoon.
About 3pm on Tuesday 2 January, a house on Holmes Place, which was empty at the time, was extensively damaged in a fire.
Detective Sergeant Daryl Moore said there is evidence that someone has entered the house shortly before the fire, and left before emergency services arrived.
"There is a trail of blood leading from the house down to Boston Crescent which is over two hundred metres away.
Police would like to speak to a person of interest who was seen in Boston Crescent shortly after the fire, a male believed to be 25-30 years old."
He is described as Polynesian and approximately 175 to 180 cm tall, about 85 to 95 kg and athletic build.
He is described as having a scraggly afro of dark hair, about two inches long, with stubble on his face.
He was wearing a navy blue t-shirt and spoke English with a strong accent.
Detective Sergeant Moore said he is likely to have a fresh injury to one of his hands or arms that will be bandaged or covered with some plasters.
Anyone who has seen this man, or has any information, is asked to call the Hawkes Bay Police CIB on 06 873 0531 or call anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre