Brighton house gutted by “deliberately lit” blaze

Police are investigating a suspicious fire which tore through a house north of Hobart on Thursday night. LATEST >>

For the latest, follow The Beat, the Mercury’s live breaking news blog with the latest traffic, police, fire and ambulance news across the state.

Brighton house fire

12.45pm, Friday 21

Police are investigating a suspicious fire which tore through a house on Brighton Road, Brighton on Thursday night.

Investigators have spent the morning combing through the wreckage of the house, which was fully engulfed while firefighters were battling the blaze.

Most of the roof collapsed during the fire and the interiors have been completely charred.

Suspicious house fire in Brighton. Photo: Kenji Sato

Suspicious house fire in Brighton. Photo: Kenji Sato

Suspicious house fire in Brighton. Photo: Kenji Sato

Suspicious house fire in Brighton. Photo: Kenji Sato

Suspicious house fire in Brighton. Photo: Kenji Sato

Tasmania Police confirmed the fire was deliberately lit as they appeal for witnesses.

“Police would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has dashcam footage from Brighton Road, between the Brighton roundabout and the United service station, between 7:45pm and 8:45pm yesterday.”

The residents were not at home at the time of the fire, and there were no injures or casualties reported.

Information can be supplied anonymously to Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000.

8.45pm, Thursday April 20

Emergency Services are at the scene of a house fire in Brighton Rd, Brighton.

The house is fully engulfed and the road is closed.

Motorists are requested to avoid the area until further notice.

More to come.

Man dead in island crash

8pm, Thursday April 20

A man aged in his 70s has died in a crash at Reekara, on King Island, tonight.

Police and emergency services were called to the single vehicle crash on North Rd around 4.05pm.

Early indications are that the man suffered a medical condition which led to the crash.

Police said their thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner

Armed robbery at fuel station

UPDATED: 9am Tuesday, April 19

A 23 year-old man has charged in relation to an alleged robbery at a Hobart service station on Tuesday afternoon.

Police were called about 4pm after an alleged armed hold up at a South Hobart fuel station on Macquarie St.

Police alleged a man in possession of a knife, stole a small quantity of cigarettes and money before fleeing on foot.

No one was injured in the incident.

He will appear before the Hobart Magistrates Court today.

Women dead in crash

10.30am Monday, April 18

A woman has died in a traffic crash in the state’s northwest this morning.

Police and emergency services were called the scene at Futuna Ave, Park Grove about 6.30am following reports of a single vehicle crash.

Police said early indications suggest the woman driving the car suffered a medical condition which led to the vehicle involved in a low-speed impact with a telegraph pole.

The woman, 49, was found deceased on the scene.

“Our thoughts are with the woman’s family and loved ones,” Tasmania Police said in a statement.

A report will be prepared for the coroner

Motorcyclist killed after serious crash

Thursday, April 14

A motorcyclist has died after a serious two car crash in Launceston, which followed a high speed police chase.

The crash occurred near the Seaport at around 6:20pm, when the rider of a Honda motorcycle collided with a Volkswagen station wagon while entering Home Point Parade.

Medical assistance was provided at the scene of the crash but the rider could not be saved.

Det. Insp. Craig Fox said the rider of the motorcycle was travelling at a high speed and that police had attempted to intercept them, but it’s believed police had given up the chase before the crash occurred.

“Initial investigations suggest that police had disengaged their attempt to intercept the rider, however, the crash is being investigated,” Mr Fox said.

“Professional Standards are attending the scene co-ordinating the response with Crash Investigation Services to fully determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.”

Bathurst St north of Brisbane St, Home Point Parade and parts of Goderich St in Invermay will remain closed while investigations are underway.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash, or who may have dashcam footage of the blue Honda motorcycle in the lead up to the crash is urged to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Serious crash, Launceston

6:30pm, Thursday April 14

Tasmania Police are at the scene of a serious crash in Launceston in the vicinity of Wellington St and Home Point Parade near Seaport.

Drivers are being urged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes away from Wellington and Bathurst Streets with the road expected to be closed for several hours.

More to come.