Loafers Lodge: Police suspect arson in deadly New Zealand hostel fire

New Zealand police have launched a homicide inquiry into a hostel fire in Wellington which has killed at least six people.

Officials confirmed they were treating the blaze as an act of arson, and said up to 20 people were still missing.

Investigators were delayed until Wednesday from fully scouting the building due to the fire’s damage.

Police had said they could not be specific on the number of deaths until they could gain full access.