Pakuranga McDonald's after the fire. Photo: RNZ/Marika Khabazi
A large fire that engulfed an Auckland McDonald's on Monday is being treated as a suspected arson, the police say.
The blaze at the Pakuranga restaurant broke out just before 3pm, causing significant damage and sending black smoke billowing across the city.
All staff and customers were safely evacuated.
A scene guard was placed at the restaurant overnight. Photo: RNZ/Marika Khabazi
Detective Senior Sergeant Michele Gillespie said a scene guard had been in place at the restaurant overnight.
"At this point in time we are treating this fire as a suspected arson," she said.
"A scene examination is being conducted this morning and Police will work alongside a fire investigator ... to understand how the fire originated."
The police wanted to hear from anyone who saw suspicious activity prior to the fire.
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