Two men will face court today charged by Arson Squad detectives following an investigation into a suspicious house fire on Sydney’s Lower North Shore earlier this year.
About 10.50pm on Saturday 3 September 2022, emergency services were called to Cliff Road, Northwood, following reports of a house fire.
Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters worked through the night to extinguish the blaze; however, the house sustained significant damage.
No one was home at the time and no injuries were reported.
A crime scene was established and examined by specialist forensic officers, who determined the fire was deliberately lit.
Detectives attached to North Shore Police Area Command conducted initial inquiries, before the State Crime Command Financial Crimes Squad’s Arson Unit took carriage of the investigation under Strike Force Lenghwise.
Following extensive inquiries, detectives executed search warrants at homes in Wentworth Falls and Punchbowl about 7.30am yesterday (Wednesday 14 December 2022).
During the search, officers located several items relevant to the investigation, including a Toyota Hiace van, and electronic storage devices.
These items were seized to undergo forensic examination.
A 69-year-old man and a 20-year-old man were arrested at the properties and taken to Katoomba and Campsie police stations respectively.
Both men were charged with destroy of damage property in company by means of fire or explosive.
The 69-year-old Wentworth Falls man was refused bail to appear before Penrith Local Court today (Thursday 15 December 2022).
The 20-year-old Punchbowl man was also refused bail to appear before Bankstown Local Court today.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Lenghwise investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
