Police are appealing to the public for sightings of four youths seen running from a reserve in Lower Hutt following a suspicious fire early this morning.
Emergency services were called to the empty York Street house in Moera at about 4am.
The fire service found the blaze was well established when they arrived.
Police said there were no occupants at the residence, however it was extensively damaged.
A group of four youths were also observed running from the area into a reserve between York and Elizabeth Street, police said.
Anyone who has information about the fire or those involved should contact Detective Sergeant Richard Orr from Hutt Valley Police on (04) 5272374.