Children sleep as masked men invade home

An apparent arson and an aggravated robbery in the Wairarapa within two hours of each other appear to be unrelated, police say.

In the first incident, about 11.35pm last night three masked men armed with rifles and a jemmy bar burst into a Worksop Rd address in Masterton.

They confronted the occupants demanding cash.

The three offenders then fled on foot, making off with cash, wallets and alcohol, Senior Sergeant Sean Hansen said.

They ran down Worksop Rd, into Kaka St and then into Takahe St.

''There were several children asleep at the address during the robbery and although no one was injured this is particularly disturbing.''

Anyone with information should contact Masterton Police immediately, Mr Hansen said.

In a second incident overnight, a house in Belvedere Rd, Carterton appears to have been deliberately set alight shortly before 1am.

The house was unoccupied, Mr Hansen said.

The scene has been examined by Fire safety officers and Police staff and is being treated as suspicious.

The house was also subject to a fire on 27th of July which caused extensive damage.

''At this stage, it appears these two incidents are unrelated,'' Mr Hansen said.

Anyone with information on either of them should phone Masterton Police immediately on (06) 370 0300 or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.''

- © Fairfax NZ News