Four Hospitalised After Suspected Arson Destroys Sydney Home

Police are searching for a masked person of interest after a house fire in Abbotsford injured four people, including an 88-year-old woman who was rescued from a balcony.

Four people have been hospitalised following a suspicious house fire in Abbotsford, in Sydney's inner west, early on Tuesday morning. Police are investigating the incident as a suspected arson attack and searching for a person believed to have fled the scene. Emergency services were called to Weddle Avenue at approximately 4:20 am on 27 October after multiple emergency calls reported a house engulfed in flames. Fire and Rescue NSW sent more than 40 firefighters and 10 fire trucks to contain the rapidly spreading blaze. The fire severely damaged the main property and spread to an adjoining house. Firefighters worked to prevent further damage while neighbouring residents were evacuated as a precaution. Elderly woman rescued from burning home An 88-year-old woman was rescued from a balcony after becoming trapped by the fire. Police officers used a ladder to reach her, with assistance from a 49-year-old neighbour who climbed up to help. The elderly woman was taken to hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation, along with her son and daughter-in-law. The 49-year-old neighbour who helped with the rescue was also hospitalised. Another man who was at the property received treatment but did not require hospital admission. NSW Police praised the actions of the officer and the civilian who helped rescue the elderly woman. Police said the rapid response and willingness of those involved to assist had been critical during the emergency. Police investigate suspected arson Investigators believe the fire may have been deliberately started using an accelerant. Police are searching for a man who was reportedly wearing a balaclava when the fire began. According to police, a neighbour confronted the suspected offender while the fire was being started. The man allegedly fled the area, and investigators believe he may have suffered burns during the incident. Police are also looking for a red Holden Astra reportedly seen leaving the scene. Officers are examining available CCTV footage and seeking information that could help establish the movements of the person of interest before and after the fire. Superintendent Christine McDonald said investigators were working closely with the occupants of the house. Police have not established whether the incident was targeted and said there was no current indication that the residents were involved in criminal activity. Firefighters contain the blaze Fire crews faced difficult conditions as flames spread rapidly through the property. Although firefighters contained much of the fire to the original house, an adjoining residence also sustained damage. Crews continued working to extinguish remaining flames before the scene could be handed over to police for examination. The investigation will include assessing the fire's origin, gathering witness accounts and reviewing evidence from the surrounding streets. Authorities have urged residents in the area to check security cameras, dashcam recordings and mobile phone footage that may contain relevant information. Police appeal for information Investigators are asking anyone with information about the fire, the suspected offender or the red Holden Astra to contact Burwood Police or Crime Stoppers. The incident has left residents facing property damage and raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding the early-morning blaze. Police have not announced any charges, and the person being sought has not been formally identified. Authorities continue to investigate while assessing the available evidence. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to provide it directly to police rather than speculate about the incident online.