CCTV footage released as police investigate suspicious Northwood home fire

The heritage-listed $24 million Northwood manor that was gutted by fire could still block the owner’s plans to build a palatial home next door - despite being reduced almost to rubble.

The heritage listed $24 million manor on Sydney’s North Shore that was gutted by fire could still block the owner’s plans to build a palatial home next door.

One of Sydney’s most expensive homes at Northwood was destroyed by fire on Saturday, September 3. CCTV footage was released by police showing what they believe to be a man walking towards the property, a fire starting and him running away.

The owners of the home, fund manager Ouyang Chen and his wife Xiao Hong Li,, had recently applied for Lane Cove Council to review a decision denying them a plan to knock down their home next door and rebuild a colossal concrete and glass house with a swimming pool.

That application was knocked back, partly because of its impact on the heritage listed home that’s now burnt down.

However, the gutted remains of the heritage listed home Mr Chen bought last year won’t affect the council's decision, with a spokesperson saying it would be assessed as if the fire never happened.

What was left of the roof after the fire ripped through the home. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

Investigators inspecting the remains on Monday. Picture: John Feder/The Daily Telegraph

“The development application and subsequent review (on September 20) have been assessed having regard to the heritage item,” a spokesman for Lane Cove council said.

The Sydney waterfront mansion was previously owned by television pioneer Mary Rossi until she died at the age of 95 and bought by Mr Chen.

On Monday police released footage of a hooded figure walking towards the home just before midnight September 3. The glow from the blaze mushrooms out across the screen and the person runs away down the street.

A man is seen entering the property on the left before the fire occurs. Picture: NSW Police

“We know there are people out there who know more about this fire,” Detective chief inspector Richard Puffett told media at police headquarters in Parramatta.

He confirmed there was no doubt the cause of the fire was arson and that accelerant was used.

“We are looking at a number of possible persons of interest,” Detective Puffett said. “We’re looking at a number of motives that may be behind the cause of the fire.”

The $24 million Northwood mansion as it burned down. Picture: 9 News

The future of the development application remains up in the air. Picture: Damian Shaw

Police have been in contact with Mr Chen.

Detective Puffett said the owner was assisting with the investigation “somewhat” willingly.

There is no suggestion Mr Chen is a person of interest.

“At this stage investigators are of the belief it is a man in the CCTV footage,” said a NSW police spokesman.

A crime scene was established at the Northwood manor in the aftermath of the blaze, and investigators examined the scene the following morning for any flammable liquids.

Specially trained Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) sniffer dogs picked up a scent on Monday which contributed to police determining that the fire had been deliberately lit.

No one was home at the time and no injuries were reported.