Three men are facing arson charges in relation to a series of suspicious fires in various South Auckland suburbs last month.

Police are not ruling out any further arrests and an investigation into other similar events remains ongoing.

The incidents occurred over different days within parts of Counties Manukau district last month, a police spokesperson said.

And those charged were before the Manukau District Court.

 “Two men have been charged over two separate fires that occurred at an address on Clendon Avenue, Papatoetoe.

“A 40-year-old man is facing charges of arson and possession of an offensive weapon following a fire on June 23. He is next due to appear on July 19.

“A 24-year-old man was charged with arson over a fire on June 28 and is due to reappear today, July 6.”

Police had also charged a 31-year-old man with arson over a bin fire which occurred at Hunters Plaza in the early hours of June 14, the spokesperson said.

 “This man was also expected to reappear [in court] today.”

Investigations were continuing into four other fires across Papatoetoe in recent weeks, the spokesperson said.

“This includes fires at two different addresses on Clendon Avenue on June 13 and 20 respectively.

“Inquiries into a house fire on Freyburg Avenue on 13 June and a garage fire on Balance Avenue on 21 June remain ongoing.

“Police cannot rule out the possibility those matters under investigation are linked, and this is being looked at as part of the ongoing investigation.”

• Anyone with information that might assist in the investigation can contact Police on 105 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Akula Sharma is an Auckland-based reporter who joined the Herald in 2022. She has previously worked at the Gisborne Herald.