Greenacre arson: Sydney home firebombed twice

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Bankstown detectives investigate two deliberate attacks on an unoccupied Greenacre property

Greenacre arson has prompted a police appeal after an unoccupied house on Macquarie Street was deliberately firebombed on two separate nights. Bankstown detectives say an unknown person poured an accelerant against the front garage door about 1am on 2 February, and returned the following night to gain entry and set fire inside the garage.

Both fires were extinguished by Fire and Rescue NSW and caused only minimal damage, but police describe the incidents as targeted and are urging residents with CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact Bankstown Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

What happened — timeline and scene

The first incident occurred about 1am on Monday 2 February, when witnesses observed a person splash an accelerant on the front garage door and set it alight. Fire and Rescue attended quickly and put the blaze out before it caused significant structural damage.

At about 11:20pm the next night, an unknown offender returned, gained entry to the unoccupied home and poured an accelerant inside the garage before lighting it. That second fire took hold in the garage but again resulted in only minimal damage after firefighters extinguished it.

Damaged garage roller door and entrance at Greenacre home with firefighter equipment in foreground
The garage roller door, bent and blackened after the fire, with firefighting equipment staged nearby.

Who is involved and why it may be targeted

Bankstown detectives say the house is unoccupied and was sold in December. Investigators believe they know the identity of the previous owner and have located records linking that person to the property, but they have not yet spoken to them.

Police have described the incidents as targeted arson attacks. At this early stage detectives are still exploring motive and whether the matter is related to business, personal dispute or something else. The previous owner is known to police and is understood to have a minimal criminal record, mainly driving offences.

Front of the targeted residence with a Ray White 'SOLD' sign, firefighters and equipment at the entrance
The targeted property — a 'SOLD' sign is visible while Fire and Rescue crew work on the front entrance.

Police response and community appeal

Bankstown detectives established a crime scene and have canvassed the neighbourhood. They say they have been unable to identify CCTV or dashcam footage so far and are asking local residents and motorists to check any cameras that may have captured activity around those times.

Detective Superintendent Rod Hart asked anyone with information about the incidents — or who recognises the person who previously owned the property — to contact Bankstown Police or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Even small details or footage could be critical to the investigation.

Firefighters and fire trucks at the front of a residential property at night with a Ray White sold sign on the lawn.
Emergency crews outside the targeted property — the sale sign is visible in front of the house.

Key takeaways

  • Two deliberate arson attacks targeted an unoccupied home on Macquarie Street, Greenacre, on consecutive nights.
  • First fire: ~1am on 2 February. Second fire: ~11:20pm the following night.
  • Both fires were extinguished quickly with minimal damage; no injuries reported.
  • Police believe the attacks were targeted and have identified the previous owner as a line of inquiry.
  • Detectives urgently seek CCTV or dashcam footage and witness information — contact Bankstown Police or Crime Stoppers (1800 333 000).

FAQs

Is anyone believed to be injured in the fires?

No. Fire and Rescue NSW extinguished both blazes and police say the incidents caused minimal damage; there are no reports of injuries.

Why do police think the attacks were targeted?

Detectives described the incidents as targeted because the same unoccupied property was attacked twice within two days and entry was gained during the second incident. They have identified the previous owner as a line of inquiry.

Have the police identified a suspect?

Not yet. Police say they believe they know who the previous owner is, but they have not spoken with that person and have no confirmed suspect. Investigations are ongoing.

How can I help with the investigation?

Check any home CCTV, doorbell cameras or dashcams for footage around 1am on 2 February and about 11:20pm the following night. If you saw anything suspicious or have images, contact Bankstown Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Is this linked to other fires in the area?

Police say there is nothing at this stage to indicate a link to other incidents. They are treating the Greenacre attacks as a separate, targeted matter while they investigate further.

Final word

These deliberate attacks have understandably unsettled the local community. Even though damage was limited, repeated attempts to set the house alight suggest a clear motive that police are determined to uncover. If you live in the area or have relevant footage, please come forward — small details can make a big difference to the investigation.

The information in this article has been adapted from mainstream news sources and video reports published on official channels. Watch the full video here Sydney home firebombed twice in two days as police hunt arsonist | 7NEWS