Lake Macquarie council chambers arson attack: Police release grainy image of people wanted for questioning

Detectives investigating the arson attack on a council headquarters, which caused damage estimated in the millions of dollars, have released an image of two figures they wish to identify.

CCTV of two people wanted for questioning over the arson attack on the Lake Macquarie City Council chambers at Speers Point on November 27, 2024. The fire caused an estimated damage bill of several million dollars. Picture: NSW Police.

They are the two dark images in grainy footage which detectives hope hold the key in solving a pre-dawn arson attack on a council chambers building which has caused a damage bill reaching into the millions of dollars.

The ageing headquarters of Lake Macquarie City Council was damaged in what police believe was a targeted attack of the Speers Point building shortly before 4am on November 27.

Emergency services were called to Main Rd about 3.50am and found the building well alight – the source appearing to be near a customer service area within the front foyer.

Fire and Rescue NSW crews were able to extinguish the fire but not before several levels suffered extensive damage with repairs estimated to be in the millions of dollars.

A crime scene was established and Strike Force Komiatum established after it was quickly determined that the blaze was suspicious.

One of the people in the single image from security footage released by police. Picture: NSW Police.

A close up of the second person depicted in the still. Picture: NSW Police.

On Thursday, and eight days after the arson attack, Lake Macquarie detectives released a single image from the council’s security cameras and released it as part of a renewed plea to the public for more information.

Police said the image shows two figures in the vicinity of the building at the time of the blaze and they were hoping members of the public could assist in identifying those depicted.

Fire damaged part of the Lake Macquarie council chambers at Speers Point on November 27, 2024. Picture: Lake Macquarie City Council.

They have also asked for anyone who may have dashcam footage from the area between 2am and 4.30am on that Wednesday morning to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A council statement said it was working closely with detectives.

“We’re grateful for the efforts and bravery of first responders to contain the fire and limit its spread, and also for NSW Police and their hard work rolling out this investigation,” Mayor Adam Shultz said.

CEO Morven Cameron said council was in regular contact with Strike Force Komiatum detectives.

“They are making progress and we’ve been providing everything they have asked for,” she said.

“We are also working with our insurers on the complex and involved task of assessing the damage and devising a recovery plan.

“We look forward to releasing more information as it comes to light.”