West Tamworth fires: Strike Force Laden detectives and Tamworth police doorknock homes in investigation into suspicious fires

A team of officers from Strike Force Laden – the Oxley police-led investigation with the arson squad – walked several streets on Wednesday as part of a three-day blitz.

In streets like Kenny Drive and Bourne Street, the charred remains of houses that are the subject of the police probe remained cordoned off as officers went door-to-door.

“We have received a good response from the West Tamworth community as part of the operation but we need more information,” Oxley Detective Sergeant Jason Darcy told The Leader.

“To be able to solve these crimes, we need information on suspects and suspicious activity to build a brief of evidence to charge offenders and put them before the courts.

“So I would urge community members that do know who is behind these fires, or who saw someone or a group of persons acting suspiciously, please contact police so we can investigate.

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“Every piece of information will help in this investigation, and we need the evidence to charge these offenders before another fire breaks out, and the community is put at risk.”

Detective Sergeant Darcy said police were aware some residents were unwilling to talk with investigators.

“We know there are people who are reluctant to speak with us, but all information will be treated with the strictest confidence and information can be provided to Crime Stoppers,” he said.

“There is a cash reward of $25,000 for any information on these fires that leads to a conviction.”

Police also visited Hillvue school to warn children of the dangers of lighting fires, and to speak with locals who might have seen something untoward when the fires in houses, cars and grassland broke out between October last year and last month.

On Thursday, the police command bus will be stationed at Rex Motors on Werris Creek Road, at the intersection of Robert Street, as part of the appeal.