Bikies could be behind ‘very suspicious’ Ascot home inferno

Police are investigating if bikies were responsible for an Ascot home inferno which destroyed two cars and seriously damaged a townhouse where four young men live.

Police are investigating whether a bikie gang may be behind a suspicious fire that destroyed two cars and seriously damaged an inner Brisbane house on Thursday morning.

The Courier-Mail understands police are probing bikie involvement in relation to the blaze that destroyed the Toyota Supra and a Mazda MX-5, both parked at the Hampden St, Ascot residence.

Police have confirmed the inferno is being treated as “very suspicious”, with Senior Sergeant Steve Watterson on Thursday telling media the residents “thought they heard a noise downstairs,” before they later smelled smoke inside the home.

Police at the scene of a suspicious fire at Hampden St, Ascot. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

“As one exited his bedroom he noticed the smell of smoke inside the house and when he came downstairs he saw the car on fire in the garage and alerted other house guests who then self evacuated,” Snr Sgt Watterson said.

The initial call was made to emergency services just before 9.30am, and was in relation to a “car on fire in the garage.”

However, upon arrival, Snr Sgt Watterson said police “located two vehicles in the garage on fire and the front of the two story dwelling well alight.”

The townhouse was destroyed by fire in the Brisbane suburb of Ascot.

“There’s ongoing investigations in relation to this, witnesses have provided some information to us that we are following up – upon arrival there were concerns that there was somebody in the house, however, QFES did a primary search and cleared the building,” Snr Sgt Watterson said.

Police at the scene of a suspicious fire at Hampden St, Ascot. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

The home was rented by four men in their 20s, said a neighbour on Thursday.

“We never really see them – they keep to themselves a fair bit … but there’s always expensive toys in the driveway like boats and jetskis,” she said.

The neighbours have lived next door for 16 years but the boys “only moved in about 12 months ago”.

Emergency services on the scene. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

Detectives are continuing their appeal for information following the suspicious blaze.

Police are seeking any information on any suspicious activity in the area around the time to contact police.

Residents who have CCTV, or motorists who may have dashcam, are also encouraged to come forward.