Authorities are investigating an attempted arson at a Penrith townhouse, where accelerants were poured on a porch and ignited. The fire was quickly contained with no injuries reported. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward as inquiries continue.

Penrith

An attempted arson occurred at a townhouse in Penrith, where two individuals were seen pouring accelerants on the front porch and attempting to ignite it. The fire failed to take hold and was contained with extinguishers, preventing further damage or injury. The resident, Melanie Sullivan, was trapped inside briefly but was unharmed. Police note that this is not the first incident targeting the property, which has previously experienced other attacks. Authorities are continuing their investigation and have appealed for public assistance in identifying the suspects.

Police investigate attempted arson at Penrith townhouse

Caught red-handed as every drop of accelerants emptied onto the front porch of a Penrith townhouse. His partner-in-crime ignites a rag, tossing it to the door, but it doesn't catch. Trying his luck for a second time, he quickly doubles back and in a flash... The firebugs make a run for it, hurtling over the mailbox in the frenzied escape, heading straight to a getaway car that disappears into the night. It's obviously a very brazen attack. Fortunately the fire wasn't able to take hold and was contained with some extinguishers, but this could have been a lot worse. A wall of fire burns at the exit as flames, repelled by the glass, trap mum Melanie Sullivan inside. I went and talked to her last night and asked her how she was and she said she was pretty distraught by what happened. Stupid, really, because the whole lot could go up. Not just one complex, the whole lot. It's understood Melanie has a troubled relationship with her neighbours, who say this isn't an isolated incident. Her home has been the target of multiple other attacks, where fake pistols were flashed and security cameras ripped out. The occupants of that home are not adversely known to police. Detectives today paying a visit to the blackened social housing complex, where Melanie shied away from cameras inside. Her concerned friend had nothing more to add. She's all right? Has she spoken to you about it at all? No, no, she didn't say much to me. Police were called to an altercation at a nearby RSL, involving Ms Sullivan earlier in the evening, but links to the targeted attack are yet to be made. And as for the whereabouts of the arsonists... We've got a number of lines of inquiry and we would ask for anyone with information to come forward. Olivia Blunden, 10 News.

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