A teenage girl was killed and several other teens were injured in a fire at a Rotorua industrial building overnight after police had earlier shut down a disorderly party of more than 100 people.
The girl's body was found by firefighters called to the Riri St building about 2.40am today.
She was believed to be a local but police said they were still contacting families and no further details would be released until police were able to confirm her identity and all family members had been told.
Six other teenagers were taken to Rotorua Hospital, including a 17-year-old boy with burns to his face, chest and arms. He had since been transferred to Waikato Hospital.
A police spokeswoman said the teenager in a critical but stable condition this morning.
The five other teens were treated for smoke inhalation and burns.
Police said it was yet to be established whether the fire was suspicious.
Officers had closed down a party in the industrial building after finding more than 100 people in the property about 11.15pm.
There had been reports of disorder as the party spilled onto the street and police said "it was clear that fighting had recently occurred".
"A decision was made by police to close down the party. Police shepherded people away from the area and a number of arrests were made for disorderly behaviour," police said in a statement.
Four youths were arrested, one 15 and three 16. All had been referred to Youth Aid.
Another five youths were treated at Rotorua Hospital for minor injuries suffered during the disorder.
Police patrolled the neighbourhood after shutting down the party and said the area had remained quiet.
The police spokeswoman said police were investigating whether there were any parents at the party. Officers had information that one of those present at the party had legal access to the building. That still needed to be confirmed, she said.
There was a small number of people in the building when the fire started about 2.40am.
The spokeswoman said the reason the group of teenagers was at the building when it caught fire was still unknown but it was possible they may have returned to help clean up the damage done during the party.
"Part of the investigation is although there's nothing to suggest a link between [the party and the fire], we're looking to capture information from both Saturday night and Sunday morning."
Police have appealed for information from anyone who was at the building last night or in the early hours of this morning.
Anyone with information should call police on 07 348 0099 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
