Two men have been charged after an alleged unit fire and malicious damage in the state’s south.
About 2.25am yesterday (Friday 11 September 2026), emergency services were called to a unit block on Sutton Street, near Mackay Street, Cootamundra, following reports of a fire.
Officers attached to Riverina Police District attended and found a unit well alight.
Police evacuated nearby residents, while Fire and Rescue NSW worked to extinguish the blaze.
NSW Ambulance paramedics attended and treated a number of people for smoke inhalation.
A crime scene was established, and police commenced an investigation into the incident.
Following inquires, police will allege a utility vehicle parked at the rear of the unit was damaged and its tyres stolen.
About 11am the same day, investigators attended an address in Cootamundra and spoke to an 18-year-old man.
A search was conducted at the home with police allegedly locating and seizing two wheels and wheel nuts, believed to be linked to the incident.
A secondary crime scene was established.
As police were speaking to the 18-year-old man, another man – aged 20 – alleged be linked to the fire, attended the location.
Both men were arrested and taken to Cootamundra Police Station.
The two men were charged with larceny value less than $2000, destroy/damage property in company greater than $5000 with the 20-year-old man charged with an additional offence of damage property by fire/exp greater than $15000.
The 18-year-old man was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 5 today (Saturday 12 September 2026).
The 20-year-old man was granted conditional bail to appear before Cootamundra Local Court on Monday 21 September 2026.
