A man has been charged as part of an ongoing investigation into a house fire in Lake Macquarie last week.
About 6.30pm on Friday (5 November 2021), officers from Lake Macquarie Police District responded to reports of a house fire on Park Avenue, Argenton.
On arrival, police attempted to speak to the occupant – a 59-year-old man ¬– in the home.
The man confronted police with a knife and retreated into the house, which was alight.
A short time later, police assisted the man from the home and rendered first aid, before NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived and treated the man at the scene.
He was taken to John Hunter Hospital suffering burns to his face, shoulders, and torso, before being transported to Royal North Shore Hospital.
Fire & Rescue NSW officers extinguished the blaze, before a crime scene was established and examined by specialist forensic officers.
Strike Force Janet has been established, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Following inquiries, investigators attended Royal North Shore Hospital on Sunday (7 November 2021), and charged a 59-year-old man with six offences, including;
• damage property by fire/explosion,
• enter prescribed premises of any person without lawful excuse,
• use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention, and
• destroy or damage property (x2).
The man was refused bail and appeared at Belmont Local Court today (Wednesday 10 November 2021). He is next due to reappear at Toronto Local Court on Tuesday 23 November 2021.
The incident is no longer being treated as a critical incident and investigations under Strike Force Janet are continuing.
