Arson Unit detectives have charged two men following an investigation into an alleged assault and arson attack in Sydney's Inner West.
About 9.45pm on Thursday 29 December 2022, emergency services were called to an underground carpark on Northcote Street in Mortdale following reports of an assault.
Officers attached to Burwood Police Area Command found a 43-year-old man suffering serious injuries after allegedly being repeatedly hit with a baseball bat by three unknown men who then fled the scene.
The man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics, before being taken to hospital in a serious condition.
The next week – about 3am on Wednesday 4 January 2023 – emergency services were called to a restaurant on The Boulevard in Strathfield following reports of a fire.
Fire & Rescue NSW attended and extinguished the blaze, which caused significant damage to the business.
An allegedly stolen black BMW was found alight on Portland Avenue in Enfield a short time later.
Officers attached to Auburn and Burwood Police Area Commands established crime scenes at both locations before detectives from State Crime Command's Financial Crimes Squad Arson Unit took carriage of the investigation under Strike Force Crispe.
Strike force detectives believe the alleged assault of the man and suspicious fire are linked.
Following extensive inquiries – including a public appeal for information – about 10am yesterday (Thursday 1 June 2023), strike force detectives arrested a man at a Correctional Centre on the Mid North Coast.
The 40-year-old was charged with two counts of destroy etc property in company use fire etc
He was refused bail to appear in Kempsey Local Court today (Friday 2 June 2023).
About 10am yesterday, strike force detectives arrested another man at a Correctional Centre in Silverwater.
The 23-year-old was charged with two counts of destroy property in company use fire and drive conveyance taken without consent of owner.
He was refused bail to appear in Burwood Local Court on Wednesday 7 June 2023.
Police will allege in court the two men were involved in the alleged arson attack in Strathfield.
Inquiries under Strike Force Crispe continue.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
