Restaurant explosion in Counties Manukau District

Police are investigating following an explosion at a Howick restaurant early this morning. The explosion happened at around 3.00am, and has blown out the front of the restaurant.

Fortunately no-one was hurt or in the Cook Street restaurant, which is called Hafan Baba, at the time of the explosion.

Today police have been talking to witnesses and conducting a scene examination in conjunction with ESR and the Fire Service.

Police haven't yet been able to ascertain the cause of the fire, however, are treating it as suspicious. The investigation team are calling for witnesses to come forward who were in and around the Cook Street area prior to 3.00am and who may have seen anything suspicious around the restaurant at the time of the explosion.

Police believe there at least four men who were seen running towards the restaurant directly after the explosion, who have not come forward yet.

They are not believed to be involved, however, police would like to speak to them.

The public can contact the Manukau Police station with information on ph: 2950200.

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