A late-night house fire in Sydney’s west turned into a homicide investigation after police found a man dead outside the property.
Police responding to calls of a fire at a home on Wargon Crescent in Glenmore Park about 12.50am on Thursday made the grisly discovery on the driveway of the partially alight property.
The body of a man believed to be in his 60s was found outside the home and described by police as having “numerous injuries and significant burns”, while his 36-year-old son was arrested hours later.
CCTV obtained by 7News shows a white Ford Falcon pull up around the corner from the property before a man was seen walking towards Wargon Cres.
Less than an hour later, the same man was seen walking back as smoke billowed from the driveway where the victim lay, before emergency crews were seen rushing to the scene.
NSW Police Superintendent Trent King said there were “numerous injuries” to the father.
“Our understanding is that our victim is a resident of that location, the other man is not,” Superintendent King said.
“There is no history of domestic violence between the two parties.”
Superintendent King said it would be hard to tell how the victim died until forensic examinations were finished, calling the extent of the injuries “distressing”.
“Until we have forensic examinations of the deceased, it’s very hard to indicate what the cause of death was,” he said.
“He is known to police … he has a criminal history that makes him well known to police, but there’s nothing related to his relationship with the victim.
“There appears to have been an altercation between the two parties there following a break and enter. The front door was forced.”
It is understood a car – a blue Commodore – was set alight first, with the blaze spreading to the home.
Police said an accelerant had been used to fuel the flames.
The 36-year-old was arrested about 6.45am after he was found by police inside a car at a sporting complex on Parkes Ave in Werrington, with police stating he had been co-operative during the arrest.
He was treated for minor injuries by paramedics before being taken to Nepean Hospital where he remains under police guard.
A criminal investigation was launched shortly after emergency services arrived on scene and put out a blaze that had engulfed a section of the house.
No charges have been laid.
Detectives are appealing for anyone with information or CCTV or dashcam footage to contact Nepean Police Area Command or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Read related topics:Sydney