A lethal fireplace at a hostel in New Zealand is being handled as suspicious.

At least six folks have been killed when the blaze broke out at Loafers Lodge on Monday night time, and a number of other others are unaccounted for.

Fire crews in Wellington have now handed the scene over to the police, and officers are hoping to enter the constructing inside hours.

Officials have warned that the investigation shall be in depth, methodical and will take a number of days.

Inspector Dion Bennett stated: "Alongside the scene examination, officers will be working to locate and recover those who lost their lives in the fire.

"We know there are a lot of folks ready for news of household and associates - together with the residents who escaped the fireplace and are keenly ready for news of their fellow tenants.

"I again want to provide the reassurance that we have a large number of officers working on this investigation, with the aim of providing them the answers they need as quickly as possible."