Mosque fire in New Lynn deliberately lit, police say

A police investigation is underway following a fire at a New Lynn mosque on Tuesday morning.

Waitematā CIB detective inspector Callum McNeill says police and fire investigators have established the fire in the Astley Avenue building was deliberately lit.

Security footage showed a person allegedly broke in just before 1am on Monday and lit the fire, which smouldered until just after 9am when it became visible and emergency services were called, he said.

At this early stage, police were still investigating possible motives and could not say whether it was a hate-related crime, McNeill said.

"There will be an increased police presence around mosques throughout Tāmaki Makaurau to ensure the community feels safe," he said.

Anyone who may have seen this incident, or has any information, is urged to contact police and reference file number 241105/3764.

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