Teenager charged with arson after suspicious Sydney house fire

A 17-year-old boy has been charged with arson, joyriding, and property fraud following a suspicious house fire in Abbotsford, Sydney. The blaze occurred around 4:00 a.m. on Tuesday, destroying a two-storey home on Weddle Avenue.

During the incident, an 88-year-old woman was rescued from a balcony by police officers and a 49-year-old civilian using a ladder. Four occupants were treated for smoke inhalation but remain in stable condition. Investigators believe the fire was intentionally set after a neighbor reported seeing a man in a balaclava spreading accelerant before fleeing in a red Holden Astra.

Following an investigation, detectives arrested the teenager at a residence in Merrylands. The suspect, who was treated for burns to his hands and legs, was taken to a hospital and scheduled to appear in bail court. Police have executed search warrants at the Merrylands property and are continuing their investigation into youth crime networks.