East Tamworth fire: arson investigation under way into two fires at Rawson Avenue house in East Tamworth

An arson investigation is now under way by Tamworth detectives into the cause of the two suspicious fires at the Rawson Avenue house.

The Leader can reveal police are now treating a fire – which destroyed a Volkswagon Amarok laden with furniture – on June 11 as suspicious too.

Police were still guarding the crime scene on Friday, after a blaze erupted in the vacant house just before 8.30pm.

Oxley Chief Inspector Phil O’Reilly said no one was inside the house at the time of the fire on Thursday night.

“The premises was under renovation at the time,” he said.

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“Extensive damage was occasioned to a front room of the premises, which wasn’t occupied at the time.

“Detectives are treating it as a suspicious.”

The cause of the blaze is unknown and forensic crews were set to comb the scene for clues on Friday.

The Leader understands the property recently changed hands in June, and the new owners were set to move in as soon as this weekend.

The car fire is believed to be linked, and Chief Inspector O’Reilly said they were calling for witnesses, especially from anyone or any vehicles seen in the Bourke Street and Rawson Avenue area on June 11 or Thursday night.

“Detectives were canvassing the area [on Friday morning] to try and obtain further information,” he said.

“Police would appeal for anyone with information that can assist us to contact Tamworth detectives on 6768 2999.”