A fire which tore through Papamoa Hall on Tuesday eveing has been confirmed as an arson attack.

Smoke was seen billowing from the hall on State Highway 2, between Bell Road and Welcome Bay Road, about 6pm.

Papamoa Hall burnt down on Tuesday night.

When firefighters arrived at the scene, the single-storey building was completely engulfed in flames.

A fire safety officer and police were investigating at the scene yesterday. Read more here.

Police have now confirmed that the fire was started deliberately and are asking for information from the public.

'Shortly before the fire, an older style, four-door car with a sloping back was seen parked up by the empty building,” says a statement from police.

'Police also received a report of a car of similar description pulling out of the hall's car park onto the highway, causing another driver to take evasive action.”

Police are appealing to anyone who has any information about this fire to contact Tauranga police station on: 07 577 4300.

Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on: 0800 555 111.