Raw grief at scene of fatal fire

There are harrowing scenes of grief outside a Manurewa home where one person died and three others were injured in a large house fire this morning.

Family of the victims could be seen huddling in grief outside the house in Dawood Place at The Gardens today.

Several people could be seen wiping away tears and consoling each other at the scene.

One person died in the blaze, which began just before 7am. It appears the fire began in the top storey of the large property.

When firefighters arrived they were told two people were trapped inside the blaze. They were able to rescue one of the pair but the other person was dead.

Three other survivors have been taken to hospital.

St John ambulance said one person had suffered serious injuries. Another was being treated for moderate injuries and the third person was in a minor condition, a spokeswoman said.

The three survivors were taken to Middlemore Hospital.

Police confirmed they understand no children were among the people hurt.

A resident on the street said there were several fire trucks, police officers and St John staff still at the scene just after 8.30am.

"I've seen it this morning. The fire brigade is there and some people waiting [outside]. I can see - oh my goodness, something has happened there''.

She said she could not see any smoke and said the fire appeared to be out.

Emergency services have been at the scene at the since just before 7am.