Man arrested in relation to fatal Elderslie house fire

A man, 23, has been arrested in relation to a fatal house fire and suspected home invasion at Elderslie, which led to the death of 22-year-old Hayden Forrest.

A man is before the courts in relation to the suspected home invasion and house fire in Elderslie. Picture: Dean Asher

• Picton’s $70 million ‘gamechanger’
• ‘Sophisticated’ cannabis set-up uncovered in Currans Hill

A man will face court today in relation to a fatal house fire and alleged home invasion at Elderslie, which led to the death of 22-year-old Hayden Forrest.

The man, 23, attended Narellan Police Station about 5pm yesterday, where he was arrested.

Emergency services were called to a house on Crank St about 11.40pm on June 2 following reports of a home invasion and fire.

The scene of the fatal house fire. Picture: Dylan Robinson

Seven occupants and two of the three suspected intruders managed to escape the out-of-control blaze but Forrest — who police believe was not an occupant — died at the scene.

Detectives from Camden Police Area Command, with the assistance of the NSW Homicide Squad and the Financial Crime Squad’s Arson Unit, launched Strike Force Cavenagh to investigate the fire and death.

Hayden Forrest died in the fatal house fire on June 2.

The man has been charged with five offences, including destroy/damage property with intent to endanger life, destroy property in company use fire, aggravated break and enter — commit serious indictable offence in company, destroy/damage property in company and armed with intent to commit indictable offence.

He was refused bail to appear at Campbelltown Local Court today.

Investigations under Strike Force Cavenagh continue.

IN OTHER NEWS