Police have released the details of a father and son killed in a “deliberately lit” house fire in Auckland’s Bucklands Beach earlier this month as a double homicide investigation continues.<\/p>\n
Detective Inspector Tofilau Va’aelua confirmed the victims were 36-year-old Jung Sup Lee and his 11-year-old son Ha-il Lee.<\/p>\n
“Our thoughts and sympathies remain with the family at this difficult time,” he said.<\/p>\n
The fire broke out at a Murvale Drive property around 2.30am on October 2, prompting a major emergency response. <\/p>\n
Five people were inside the two-storey home at the time. Three survived, including the mother and another child, who were hospitalised but have since been discharged. A fifth occupant, a boarder living downstairs, also escaped unharmed.<\/p>\n
Emergency services were called to the Bucklands Beach property at around 2.30am. (Source: 1News)<\/p>\n
The fire destroyed the top floor of the home, with neighbours describing thick smoke, towering flames, and small explosions as the blaze rapidly engulfed the property.<\/p>\n
Police believed the fire was “deliberately lit” and confirmed finding the presence of an accelerant at the scene.<\/p>\n
Va’aelua today appealed for CCTV footage from a large area of east Auckland to help the inquiry.<\/p>\n
Investigators wanted CCTV, dash cam, or GoPro footage from residents in Bucklands Beach, Howick, Sunnyhills, Mellons Bay, Botany Downs, and Highland Park between 10pm on Wednesday, October 1 and 5am on Thursday, October 2.<\/p>\n
“We want to reiterate that no detail is too small, or irrelevant,” Va’aelua said.<\/p>\n