Detectives are investigating the cause of a house fire which police claim was deliberately lit, during a total fire ban in Tamworth.
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The house erupted in flames in Green Street in Coledale about 3pm on Friday, but no one was inside at the time.
Oxley Detective Acting Inspector Jason Darcy confirmed crime scene officers had discovered the house was targeted before the fire started.
"We believe someone has forced entry and set it alight," he said.
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"Detectives are investigating and we are treating it as suspicious."
Detectives have doorknocked the area, in a bid to try and find out who was in the house in the moments beforehand.
"This fire was lit during a total fire ban, and with the recent fires around the region, this is extremely concerning," Detective Darcy said.
"This behaviour is not only putting themselves at risk, but they're putting the lives and property of others at risk, including emergency services who are called to these fires.
"We would appeal for anyone with information on the fire, or who noticed suspicious activity in the Green Street area on Friday afternoon, to come forward."
Hunt for driver after car hits house
A 97-year-old woman has escaped injury after a car crashed into her house late at night in Quirindi.
Just before midnight on Saturday, the car hit the front room of a Nowland Avenue house.
Luckily, the elderly woman inside was not injured.
Police said the driver fled the scene.
The car was reported stolen, and Detective Darcy said police were appealing for help to find the identity of the driver.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Tamworth police on 6768 2999.
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
