Police seek barefoot man after 81-year-old critically injured in suspicious Stokes Valley fire

News from NZ Police
Police want to speak with a barefoot male seen riding a bicycle in the vicinity of a fire in Stokes Valley that left an 82-year-old man critically injured this week.

Emergency services were called to a block of flats on Hanson Grove, Stokes Valley at 3.10am on Tuesday, the third suspicious fire at the property in as many weeks. An investigation found the blaze was deliberate and most likely linked to two other suspicious fires at this address on Thursday 10 and Monday 14 October 2024.

Detective Inspector Haley Ryan says Police need the community’s help to identify the barefoot man, who was seen in the vicinity of the flats around the time of Tuesday’s fire.

“Someone in the Stokes Valley community will know who this male is, we believe he will be a local resident. We need the community’s help to identify and locate him, or for him to voluntarily come forward and speak with us. This male may be a potential witness and could have seen something or hold information that could assist us identify the person or persons responsible.

“We also need to hear from any residents who have CCTV footage in Stokes Valley or from any motorists with a dashcam who were travelling though the area during the early hours of Tuesday.

“The victim of the fire is a well-regarded gentleman of the Stokes Valley community; he has lived there for many years and he and his family deserve answers. We hope the community can help them with that.”

Police also want to hear from witnesses or anyone who has any information about the three fires on Hanson Grove. To report information please update us online now [1] or call 105. Please use the reference number 241105/2249 and quote Operation SOVE. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

News from NZ Police – November 5
Hutt Valley Police are investigating a fire at a previously targeted Stokes Valley residential address which has left a man fighting for his life.

Around 3:10am this morning emergency services were called to a block of flats in Hanson Grove, an 81 year old man was located in a critical condition and was taken to Wellington Hospital.

The area was cordoned off and a forensic scene examination is being conducted with the assistance of Fire and Emergency New Zealand and ESR.

The fire is being treated as suspicious and is suspected to be linked to two other fires at the same block of flats on Thursday 10 and Monday 14 October, both of which were also lit during the early hours of the morning.

Police are appealing for information from people who have CCTV footage, witnessed the incident, or were in the area at the time of the fire to please get in contact.

Even the smallest piece of information could prove vital in our investigation. If you have any CCTV footage from dashcam, residential, or commercial premises in any areas of Stokes Valley, witnessed any three of the fires, or were in the area at the time of the fires, even if you didn’t witness the incidents please contact us.

To report information please update us online now or call 105. Please use the reference number 241105/2249 and quote Operation SOVE. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Content Sourced from scoop.co.nz

Report from RNZ
A man has been critically injured in a fire in Stokes Valley flat. Emergency services, including fire crews from five stations, were called to the fire on Hanson Grove just after 3am this morning.

The man was taken to hospital in a critical condition.

The area was cordoned off, and police are working with Fire and Emergency to determine the circumstances.

Residents said they were shocked by the blaze.

A neighbour said he was kept up half the night after he saw flames coming from the house. He described the occupant as a recluse.

Another local said: “He’s cool as, he’s a giving person.”

He said the neighbourhood was close-knit but the area had experienced other fires in recent years. “It’s buzzy because we’ve had a few fires around here too. Pretty sad for the families though.”

The local was unsure if the home would be repaired or rebuilt.

“The house down on [nearby] George Street that got burnt down isn’t getting [rebuilt] at all.”