A neighbour has thwarted a potentially “destructive” arson attempt just days after a home on the same street was destroyed in a fire.
The neighbour was woken by the smell of petrol and spotted two people spray painting and pouring what’s believed to be petrol on the driveway of a home on Weddle Av in Abbotsford, Sydney’s Inner West, about 3.30am on Saturday.
They then yelled out to the duo causing them to flee from the scene in a dark-coloured 4WD or SUV before they could ignite the accelerant.
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Police were called soon after and found the pair had left behind jerry cans and other items that could be used to start a fire, Acting Inspector Denis Dreon told reporters.
“It definitely could have been a lot worse,” Dreon said.
“The brave actions of that witness from stopping this occurring was outstanding.”
The jerry cans and other items have been seized by police for further forensic examinations.
A neighbour has scared off two people before they could set fire to a home in Abbotsford after being awoken by the smell of gasoline. Credit: 7NEWS Dreon confirmed the home is known to police and the sole occupant, a woman aged in her 60s, was unharmed and “doing okay” when interviewed by detectives later in the day.
The attempted attack has left locals on edge as it comes after a house on the same street was destroyed in a separate alleged arson incident on Tuesday.
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Four people were injured during the fire and a 17-year-old boy was charged later the same day. He remains before the courts.
Dreon described Saturday’s attack as “extremely brazen” for coming just days after the previous fire.
“That’s why we’re amping up our police response to ensure that these people are safe and the community is safe from these people,” he said.
Acting Inspector Denis Dreon praised the neighbour’s ‘brave’ act while slamming the attempted arson attack as ‘brazen’. Credit: 7NEWS “Safety for members of the community is paramount and we obviously need to stop this before it gets too far.”
A “high police presence” will now be in the area as different units are sent to try and prevent further attacks and assist with ongoing investigations.
Anyone with information, particularly those who were in the area between 3am and 4am, has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers.