Blayney real estate agency Fenwick Realty was destroyed by fire late on Sunday night when an intruder entered the building and torched the office, putting the lives of tenants who live above the offices at risk.
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Licensee of the Adelaide Street agency Edwin Smith said that it was the second attempt at setting fire to the office.
“Two weeks ago they sprayed kerosene through the front door and lit it, but it either went out or they were interrupted and all they did was damage the wall and carpet near the entrance,” he said.
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In Sunday night’s attack the arsonist used a rock to smash the glass in the front door to gain entry into the building.
“They sprayed some kind of accelerant throughout the office and lit it,” Mr Smith said.
“It’s completely gutted, melted computers and printers, carpet, reception desk – all destroyed.”
Mr Smith said that he was appalled to discover that the arsonist had put the lives of those living upstairs at risk.
“Luckily they heard the crash of the glass and then saw the flames and were able to call the emergency services and they weren’t hurt,” he said.
Mr Smith said that he had his suspicions about who had lit the fire but he was leaving that to the authorities.
It’s completely gutted, melted computers and printers, carpet, reception desk – all destroyed.
- Fenwick realty licencee Edwin Smith
Officer in charge at Bathurst Police Station David Abercrombie said forensic investigations were continuing.
“Forensic services group have conducted their investigations and have seized a number of things as evidence which will be further analysed,” he said.
In the meantime, Mr Smith will be continuing on with his business.
“I’ll be doing everything online and working out what to do, maybe open another office in town, but for now we’re working from home,” he said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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