A man has been arrested after a police operation near Bathurst today.
About 5am (Tuesday 24 March 2020), officers from Chifley Police District attended a home on Gold Street, Mandurama, about 65km south west of Bathurst, to speak with the occupant about a domestic violence related matter.
The occupant locked himself inside the premises and refused to speak with police.
About 7.20am, smoke was detected and soon after, the home was seen to be well alight. Officers forced entry to the home; however, were overcome by the smoke.
Entry was gained via the back door and the occupant, a 46-year-old man, was arrested after being found hiding inside.
The Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW attended and extinguished the blaze; however, the home was destroyed.
NSW Ambulance paramedics attended and treated the man for smoke inhalation. He has been taken to Orange Base Hospital under police guard for further treatment.
A number of officers were also treated for smoke inhalation.
Inquiries continue.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
