Deliberate fire damages Sydney childcare centre in early morning arson attack

Police have launched an investigation after a fire, believed to be deliberately lit, caused damage to a childcare centre on Sydney’s North Shore early this morning.

Owner of the Play to learn childcare in Turramurra Jemma Quinlan.Picture Thomas isson

A childcare centre on Sydney’s North Shore has been deliberately set on fire in what police are treating as an arson attack.

Emergency services were called to Play to Learn Early Learning centre just off the Pacific Highway at Turramurra shortly before 4.25am on Friday, following reports of a blaze.

A suspicious fire lit in Play to learn childcare in Turramurra. Police investigations are currently underway.Picture Thomas Lisson

Firefighters arrived quickly and were able to extinguish the fire, which caused minor damage to the building. No injuries were reported.

It is understood the offenders broke in through the front doors, poured accelerant throughout the building and then set the child care centre alight.

The centre has only been open for around a year, with the owners also operating three other daycares between Sydney and the Central Coast.

The centre’s head of operations Jemma Quinlan said she had “absolutely no idea” why they may have been targeted.

“It’s horrific - we’re here to serve the community, (and) we’re here for our families and our children,” she told Today.

“We’ve been operating for 19 years on The Central Coast. We have an amazing reputation up there.

A suspicious fire lit in Play to learn childcare in Turramurra. Police investigations are currently underway. Picture Thomas Lisson

Police have since established a crime scene and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The fire is being treated as suspicious.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Do you know more? Message 0481 056 618 or email [e-mail]

Originally published as Deliberate fire damages Sydney childcare centre in early morning arson attack