Erina: Police released CCTV of vehicle moments before pilates studio arson attack
Detectives investigating the alleged arson attack of a popular Central Coast pilates studio have released vision of a car as they confirm they are probing possible links between the fire and blaze at a hair salon.
Central Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Central Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Detectives investigating the alleged arson attack on a popular Central Coast pilates studio have released security vision of a car seen near the business at the time of the blaze and later found on fire more than 20km away.
Strike Force Lottah detectives have also revealed they are investigating possible links between the unsolved pilates fire at Erina in March and a fire at a hair salon at The Entrance a few days earlier.
Four people – two men and two youths – have been charged over that February 26 hair salon fire and remain before the courts.
No one has been charged over the pilates studio blaze, which occurred about 4am on March 7.
Police said emergency services arrived at the Penrose Cres studio to find it well alight.
A vehicle had been driven into glass front doors before they were pulled away.
Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze but not before the studio suffered major damage.
A short time later, fire crews were called to Old Maitland Rd at Mardi following reports of a vehicle fire.
The vehicle – believed to be a silver Hummer H3 – was destroyed.
Crime scenes were established at both locations by Brisbane Water police and investigations into both suspicious fires continued under Strike Force Lottah.
As part of ongoing inquiries, detectives have released CCTV of a vehicle seen near Penrose Cres, Erina, around the time of the building fire.
“Investigations are also continuing into a fire at a hair salon on The Entrance Road, The Entrance, about 2.20am on Wednesday 26 February 2025,” police said in a statement.
“Four people have since been charged and remain before the courts.
“Police believe the three incidents may be linked.
“Anyone with information about the driver of the vehicle is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
International student scammed elderly woman out of thousands
An international student has been convicted after scamming an elderly woman out of thousands of dollars, a court has heard.
Convicted killer pleads guilty to sexually abusing child
A convicted killer who served time for manslaughter for his role in the brutal stabbing of a father of seven children, has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a child.