Police investigate After two cars and a home are set alight in Charlestown

Two cars and a home in Charlestown were set alight on Wednesday night. Police believe both incidents are linked.

Damage to the front of a car which was set on fire at Whitburn Close, Charlestown was extensive. Picture: Amy Ziniak

• Hero tries to save Lake Macquarie driver after crash
• ‘Devastated’: Father of three killed in house fire

The owner of a home in Charlestown, which was set on fire, said it could have been much worse with his two-year-old’s bedroom directly above where the blaze was started.

At around 9pm Wednesday night, a Subaru Forester sitting in the driveway of a home on Merran Ave was set alight.

The homeowner — who did not want to be named — said he was about to put the rubbish out and noticed someone hanging around, before fleeing on bikes.

“It was a bit suspicious,” he told The Newcastle News.

The driveway of the Merran St. home where a car was set on fire.

Paint tins underneath a house on Merran St. Charlestown were set alight.

That’s when he realised the family car was on fire and ran out to extinguish it.

He also then noticed two separate small fires underneath the house where there were old paint cans, and on the side of the house, which he also extinguished.

“It ruined the back of the car, it was filled with smoke,” he said.

Not far down the road, another report of a vehicle fire which had happened earlier.

A car at Whitburn Close, Charlestown was set alight.

Sometime between 5.30pm and 8pm, a Hyundai i30 was found on fire at a home at Whitburn Close, Charlestown.

The homeowner — who also would not give her name — said she was eating dinner when the neighbour, who drove past, started yelling and screaming to put out the fire.

“The neighbour saw the flames and was able to put it out with a fire extinguisher,” she said.

Within minutes Fire and Rescue NSW arrived and crews helped to extinguish the blaze.

The whole front left hand side of the vehicle was damaged and it had to be towed away.

“That car is normally parked up close to the house and that is under the window of our boys bedrooms,” she added.

“Hopefully police find the person/s before much worse happens.”

Police believe both incidents are linked and are investigating.

The house at Whitburn Close, Charlestown, where a car was set alight in the driveway.

Chief Inspector David Matthews, said it’s a timely reminder for residents to revisit their home security.

“Always try to park vehicles inside a garage where possible, never leave valuables inside your car and in plain sight, and always remember to lock the door before walking away,” he said.

“These may seem like simple reminders but they can help you avoid becoming a victim of crime.”

Police are appealing for anyone who may have CCTV footage or dashcam footage from around these times in the area to contact Belmont Police or to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

IN OTHER NEWS