Taskforce established following Ettalong fire
A police taskforce has been established following a fire at a tobacconist store in Memorial Ave, Ettalong, in the early hours of Friday, August 9.
Strike Force Fortrose, comprising detectives from Brisbane Water Police and the State Crime Command Financial Crimes - Arson Squad, will investigate the fire.
Emergency services were called to Memorial Ave, following reports of a fire just after 1.30am on August 9.
Fire and Rescue NSW attended and extinguished the blaze in about 90 minutes.
The Umina Station 340 reported it received multiple calls at 1:44am "to a commercial building alight within a multi-unit shopping complex at Ettalong".
"With the assistance of two aerial fire-fighting appliances and a quick initial fire attack, the blaze was kept to the tobacco shop and units behind, stopping the fire spreading to the adjoining retail shops."
Police reported that the fire was deliberately lit and that no other properties were damaged in the incident.
They said that the shop was under construction and had had its windows broken in an alleged break and enter the previous day.
Memorial Ave was blocked off and adjoining shops remained closed for the day.
The crime scene was examined by specialist police.
Following inquiries, they said they would like to speak to two men who were seen entering the property, one carrying a jerry can, before running from the scene.
Police appealed for information from the community.
Ettalong Diggers asked patrons to enter its carpark by going along Broken Bay Rd, turning down the Esplanade and then entering via Memorial Ave.
Member for Gosford Ms Liesl Tesch said: "The events experienced in Ettalong are extremely concerning and destruction such as this has no place in our community.
"I thank our emergency responders for their actions in ensuring that this blaze was quickly contained, without physical injury to anyone.
"I encourage community members to contact police should they have any information."
NSW Police issued a statement on Friday, saying inquiries continued into the motive for the fire and other damage.
As investigations continue, anyone with information which might assist the investigation is asked to contact Brisbane Water Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
SOURCE:
Media release, 9 Aug 2024
Media unit, NSW Police