Police have confirmed the fatal fire last Thursday morning in Bucklands Beach is now being treated as a double homicide.
Detective Inspector Tofilau Faamanuia Vaaelua, Counties Manukau District Crime Manager, says emergency services attended the home in Murvale Drive at around 2.30am.
"When Police and Fire and Emergency NZ arrived, the home was fully engulfed in flames.
"Three people were able to escape the fire, while sadly two people were not, and were found deceased inside the home."
Detective Inspector Vaaelua says investigators have worked tirelessly on the case to piece together what has taken place.
"Our investigations have led us to now confirm that the fire was intentional, and this is now a double homicide.
"Fire investigators have confirmed accelerant has been found at the scene," Detective Inspector Vaaelua says.
"The scene examination of the home was completed on Sunday, however due to the circumstances it remains under Police guard."
The postmortems have been completed on those who perished in the fire.
"One victim can be confirmed as a 36-year-old father of two," he says.
"Although we have not yet been able to formally identify the second victim, we are confident that he is the 11-year-old son."
The two other victims who were taken to hospital have now both been discharged and are coming to terms with this devastating outcome.
Detective Inspector Vaaelua says someone was responsible for the death of this father and son and is calling on the public to help.
"Police are now moving onto an area canvass and CCTV phase of this investigation," he says.
"We are appealing to the public, specifically those who live on or around Murvale Drive, for any footage you may have of the road, street, surrounding properties in the days and hours leading up to the fire.
"We want to hear from anyone who has any information at all that they think may help.
"Nothing is too small or irrelevant."
Detective Inspector Vaaelua says Police would also like to acknowledge the family involved in this tragedy.
"This is understandably an extremely traumatic time for them.
"We are determined to provide them with answers and bring this to a close so they can try and move forward with their lives.
"It is imperative we find who is responsible for this."
Police urge anyone with information to contact Police online or call 105 using the reference number 251002/9501.
Information can also be reported anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
