Carterton

Mary Argue

mary.argue@age.co.nz

Police have released an image of two people caught on camera the night a suspicious fi re ripped through Carterton’s High St in October last year.

Police appealed to the public last Thursday for help in identifying the pair.

The blurry image shows the duo in hoodies, caps, and face masks, captured on CCTV in the vicinity of the blaze that destroyed multiple businesses.

Police appealed for information in the fi re’s immediate aftermath and said investigations would continue.

Wairarapa Detective Senior Sergeant Barry Bysouth said the footage had needed restoration, resulting in a delayed release of the images.

“Police are asking for the public’s help to identify two people who were in the vicinity of the fi re and who may be able to assist with the ongoing investigation,” he said.

A police spokesperson said the fi re would have had “a huge impact” on businesses in Carterton.

Three businesses were gutted and a fourth severely damaged in the fi re, which began in the

Police have asked for help identifying individuals captured on CCTV near a suspicious re in Carterton. PHOTO/ SUPPLIED

early hours of October 7.

By the time the fi re brigade arrived, the complex on the corner of Holloway St and High St was engulfed in fl ames.

Crews from across the region, and as far afi eld as Hutt Valley and Palmerston North, descended on Carterton shortly after midnight and stayed at the scene until 4am.

Fire and Emergency said the blaze was under control within an hour. However, it was a challenging night with the fi re spreading across multiple shops.

Wairarapa Web Design, Madam Plum Boutique, Midway Barbershop, and Carterton Food Market were all aff ected.

At the time, Carterton was working through earthquake legislation, and Mayor Greg Lang described the fi re as “devastating”.

One business owner said it was a bitter pill to swallow as money had recently been spent to bring the buildings up to code.

Fire and Emergency and police investigators suspected the fi re started near Midway Barber.

A food truck with live entertainment currently utilised the empty site.

Three businesses were destroyed and a fourth was badly damaged in the October re. PHOTO/FILE

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