San Remo: Kallaroo Rd house fire images, police hunt arsonist
Police investigating a suspicious house fire on the Central Coast have released pictures of the blaze to help them seek out those believed to be responsible. It comes as a reward is also being offered.
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Arson squad detectives have ramped up the hunt for those responsible for an early morning attack on a Central Coast home which caused more than $500,000 damage.
Strike Force Mrytu has been investigating the deliberately lit fire which destroyed the San Remo residence on September 21 last year.
They have now released images of the blaze as it took hold, with it emerging that detectives believe the arsonists lived locally and there were people living in the community that knew who was responsible.
Detectives have also reminded the community of the Insurance Council of Autralia’s arson rewards scheme, which offers up to $50,000 for information that leads to successful prosecution in arson attacks.
The Kallaroo Rd house, which had been split in half with tenants in one part and the rest used as a holiday home by the owner, was targeted before 5.30am on September 21 – a Saturday morning.
The financial crime squad’s arson unit coordinator, Detective Chief Inspector Richard Puffett, said it was believed the fire may have been targeted at the home’s tenants and not the owners.
There was no suggestion it was an attempt at insurance fraud nor is it believed to be linked to a double stabbing on the same street a few months beforehand.
The blaze began in the garage of the two-storey home, which was accessible from the street, although it was unclear whether a device or accelerant was used.
No one was home at the time and there were no injuries, although the damage bill exceeded $500,000.
“We have strong lines of inquiry [telling us] that it was a targeted attack,’’ Detective Chief Inspector Puffett said.
He also added: “Over the past few months, strike force detectives have conducted an extensive investigation into this incident, which has led us to believe the home was deliberately set on fire.
“It is most likely that whoever lit the blaze had knowledge of the area and may live in or near the Central Coast.
“As our inquiries continue, we’d like to speak with anyone who may have noticed something suspicious on the Friday evening, into the early hours of Saturday morning, when the fire began.’’