Parramatta School fire: $25,000 reward offered for information on four males

VIDEO: Police have released CCTV footage of four males as part of their investigation into the $10 million Parramatta heritage school fire, with a $25,000 reward offered for information on their identities.

• Sydney Uni tipped to head west
• Saving heritage buildings from Powerhouse

A $25,000 reward is being offered for information into the four men involved in the Parramatta School fire.

Detectives have released new CCTV as part of their investigation into last month’s suspicious fire, showing the group of males on Little and Charles Streets just after 2am on the Saturday, May 19.

Fire crews were called to the Macquarie St school about 4.45am with the building blazing.

These three girls came forward to Gosford Police Station after an appeal.

Earlier this week three 17-year-old girls sought by police over the fire volunteered themselves at the Gosford Police Station on the Central Coast, after police released CCTV footage of them.

It’s expected the three girls will receive a caution under the Young Offenders Act for trespassing.

Detectives from the Financial Crimes Squad’s Arson Unit established Strike Force Zingara to investigate the blaze.

READ:

CCTV footage show ‘fire’ girls

Girls come forward over school fire

School destroyed in suspected arson

A still from the CCTV footage of the males police believed were involved in the Parramatta Public School fire.

Following an appeal to the community on Monday, strike force investigators identified the four males who may be able to assist with their inquiries.

The estimated costs to repair the building is more than $10 million.

There is an estimated $10 million damage to the 105-year-old Parramatta Public School heritage building. Picture: Kernin Lambert.

Detective Superintendent Linda Howlett said it was important to find who was responsible for the fire.

“The building had asbestos in it so not only were members of the community in danger, we are putting firefighters who are responding to the fire (at risk).”

Investigations suggest the fire was deliberately lit but police remain tight-lipped on elaborating further.

‘FIRE’ GIRLS CAPTURED ON CCTV

“We want to apprehend them before they do something stupid again and actually injure a member of the public.”

Investigators are reminding the community of the Insurance Council of Australia’s Arson Rewards Scheme, which offers up to $25,000 for information that leads to successful prosecutions in arson matters.