Castle St fire witnesses sought

Police are seeking witnesses to Saturday's Castle St flat fire.

Police said yesterday they were "continuing to investigate'' the blaze at 660 Castle St, which occurred about 6.30am.

Police wanted to speak to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians in the vicinity of Castle St and Cumberland St between 6pm on Friday and 7am on Saturday.

A police media spokeswoman would not confirm the fire was being treated as suspicious.

Specialist fire investigator Mike Harrison, of Dunedin, referred all questions to police.

Senior Sergeant Ian Temple, of Dunedin, would also not confirm the fire was being treated as arson.

University of Otago student Robby McPhail (19) suffered burns and lacerations to his hands as a result of the fire.

He also broke his left ankle when he leapt from his second-floor bedroom.

Two other residents were taken to hospital with minor injuries, which including smoke inhalation, cuts and bruises.

Firefighters discovered smoke detectors in a cupboard.

Campus Watch staff were going door-to-door this week ensuring student flats had working smoke alarms.

rhys.chamberlain@odt.co.nz

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