Masked man sought after Sydney house fire rescue

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 00:20 · Archive

An 88-year-old woman was rescued from a balcony after a masked man was seen pouring accelerant over a Sydney house.

Police are hunting a masked man after a house fire in Abbotsford, Sydney's inner west, at around 4am on Tuesday. A neighbour saw the suspect pouring accelerant over the property before it was engulfed in flames with several occupants inside.

First responders found the house well alight on arrival. An 88-year-old woman was trapped on the balcony and was rescued by officers and another occupant using a ladder. She and three other residents—two men aged 44 and 65, and a 53-year-old woman—were treated by paramedics for smoke inhalation. All four are in stable condition. NSW Police deemed the fire suspicious and said the occupants had no criminal links.

The neighbour who saw the suspect attempted to confront him, but the man managed to flee the scene. Police describe the suspect as male and wearing a balaclava. They are also searching for a red Holden Astra believed to have been used in the escape. About 40 fire crews and 10 trucks responded at the height of the incident. The fire briefly spread to an adjoining house but was contained.

How it is being reported

• Manhunt after elderly woman rescued from infernoA man was seen pouring accelerant over a house in a quiet harbourside suburb, before flames engulfed the family home while several occupants were inside.Perth Now · 26 Oct, 23:49
• Manhunt after elderly woman rescued from infernoA man was seen pouring accelerant over a house in a quiet harbourside suburb, before flames engulfed the family home while several occupants were inside.The West Australian · 26 Oct, 23:49

In this story: Abbotsford · Sydney · NSW Police · Fire and Rescue

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