NSW: Family loses home in suspected arson attack
14 Dec 2008 8:13 AM
SYDNEY, Dec 14 AAP - A Sydney family has returned home from a Christmas party to find their house destroyed in a suspected arson attack.
A couple and their two children left their home in Kurmond Road at Freemans Reach in Sydney's north-west at about 7.30pm (AEDT) on Saturday, heading to a nearby Christmas party.
A short time later neighbours saw a beige four-wheel drive pull out of the property, followed by a Holden Rodeo utility with a Kawasaki trail bike and a quad bike belonging to the family on the rear tray.
Moments later, fire engulfed the family's timber cottage, police said.
Neighbours tried in vain to extinguish the blaze but the home was destroyed.
Detectives from the Hawkesbury Local Area Command attended the property, establishing a crime scene.
Fire investigators have examined the wreckage of the house using an accelerant detection dog and a police guard has been placed at the property until forensic examinations are finished.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
