A house allegedly targeted by arsonists was long abandoned

UPDATED: Just two days before an old house in Sandy Bay caught fire it was advertised as an abandoned property on social media sites. Three people have now been charged after fire destroyed the home.

A HISTORIC house in Sandy Bay, which is expected to be demolished after it was allegedly targeted by arsonists, was widely known to be empty and abandoned.

The house, in Quayle St, has reportedly been owned by the same person since 1988, but had been vacant for several years with no power connected since 2014.

Hobart, Bridgewater and Glenorchy fire crews attended the house fire in Quayle Street, Sandy Bay. Picture: Annie McCann

Just two days before Monday’s fire, a photo and address of the property was posted on social media, and it was noted as being abandoned.

It appeared on the Tasmanian History page, and the Abandoned Australia Derelict Houses site and nearby residents wrote of squatter activity in the building.

Police said the property’s owners lived interstate and had been notified of the damage.

“We’ve had reports in the past of people squatting there, but I can’t confirm whether or not there was any recent activity,” a spokesman said.

Tasmania Police have now charged two male youths and an 18-year-old man in relation to the fire they say was deliberately lit.

The two youths were bailed to appear in the Youth Justice Division of the Hobart Magistrates Court in October, while the 18-year-old will appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court on September 15.

Investigations are continuing in relation to any other people involved in the incident.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Hobart CIB on 131 444.

Information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au