A complex murder investigation is under way as police hunt for a ‘getaway car’ as part of their probe into a fatal house fire.
The bodies of three people who are yet to be identified were found inside the burnt out housing commission home in Bonner, Canberra, on Monday.
A woman and two children lived inside the home, and police said the fire appeared to have been deliberately lit.
A complex murder investigation is under way as police hunt for a ‘getaway car’ as part of their probe into a fatal house fire (pictured)
Three pumpers, breathing apparatus support and two commanders were at the scene, ACT Fire and Rescue said
The brick house with a pink tricycle and scooter resting against a wall (pictured) has been turned into a crime scene after the fire destroyed the home Monday morning
Shiree Diamond, who filmed the 8.45am blaze, said detectives were interested in vehicles in the footage that may be related to the fire, The Australian reported.
Horrified neighbours described the quiet neighbourhood as ‘family-friendly’ and said they knew nothing about the occupants of the home.
‘We are shocked at the moment, we are waiting to find out the details … it is pretty scary and pretty frightening,’ said local resident Cassandra Sinclair.
ACT Police Detective Superintendent Scott Moller said indications were the fire was no accident.
Fire crews fought to contain the blaze at the house in Canberra’s northern suburbs (pictured)
‘The indications are it’s been deliberately lit,’ he said.
‘It’s a difficult scene … it’s a horrific incident … and it has a significant impact on all the emergency services that attended.
‘This investigation is complex – it is going to be a significant investigation for us and it will be ongoing for some time and we will be following every lead we can.’
Detectives are unsure whether the woman and two children were trapped inside the house or whether they were killed before the house was set alight.
Initial morning searches of the house confirmed no people were inside, raising questions about how the bodies were not discovered until later that afternoon.
The brick house with a pink tricycle and scooter resting against a wall has been turned into a crime scene after the fire destroyed the home Monday morning.
Detectives said the fire was started in four different locations, appearing to be deliberately lit
Detectives are unsure whether the deceased were trapped inside the house or whether they were killed before the house was set alight
An ACT Policing spokesman declined to comment further on how the bodies were missed during initial searches.
They also said they were unable to confirm details of the identities and ages of the three people who died.
A man was arrested and taken into custody on Monday, and questioned for several hours before being released without being charged.
Witnesses reported the fire at 8.45am when smoke was seen billowing from the roof and called fire crews.
Investigations will be ongoing as the morning fire burnt the house so badly it is structurally unsafe.
Three people found dead inside a burnt-out house (pictured) may be victims of a murder-suicide
Detectives are now appealing for witnesses and have urged people with information to come forward.
‘Crews arrived to find a home well alight. Three pumpers, breathing apparatus support and two commanders are on scene,’ police said.
‘A crime scene will remain in place while ACT Policing’s Criminal Investigations conduct further inquiries.
‘At this time the identities of the deceased persons have not been confirmed.
‘A report will be prepared for the coroner.’
Detectives are appealing for witnesses and urged people with information to come forward