Abbotsford police increase presence after attempted arson

Police have increased patrols in Abbotsford, Sydney, following an attempted arson on Weddle Avenue. Early Saturday morning, a resident was awoken by the smell of petrol and witnessed two individuals spray-painting a driveway and pouring gasoline before fleeing in a dark-colored 4WD or SUV. The neighbor's intervention prevented the accelerant from being ignited.

This incident occurred just days after a separate house on the same street was destroyed in an arson attack. In that previous incident, a 17-year-old boy was arrested and charged after allegedly setting a home on fire, during which an 88-year-old woman had to be rescued from a balcony and several others suffered smoke inhalation.

NSW Police Acting Inspector Dennis Drean described the Saturday attempt as “extremely brazen” and noted that officers are utilizing both ground and aerial resources to ensure community safety. Detectives have seized jerry cans and other items from the scene for forensic examination.