Police renew call for witnesses to church fire

ACT Policing are renewing the call for witnesses to a suspicious fire in Kambah on Saturday, 17 June 2017.

About 5.30am, the Tuggeranong Baptist Church on Jenke Circuit in Kambah was set alight. ACT Fire & Rescue attended and extinguished the fire, which caused extensive damage to the church. The incident was deemed suspicious and handed to police for investigation.

Police have released CCTV footage which reveals a white utility (ute) vehicle in the area at the time of the incident. The ute arrived before the fire and remained in the area until after the church was alight. Police believe the driver may be able to provide valuable information that can assist with the investigation.

The CCTV also revealed a number of witnesses in the area around the time of the incident who may have information about fire or the white ute and the driver. Police are appealing to anyone who was around Jenke Circuit Kambah, between 5.30am and 6.30am on Saturday 17 June 2017 to come forward.

Detective Sergeant Tony Crocker condemned the incident and urged anyone with information to assist police.

“Any information, no matter how small it may be could help our investigations, it may be the missing piece we need. I urge anyone who was in the area at the time or who has any information about the fire, the white ute or the driver, to come forward to police.”

“This is a senseless and destructive act of vandalism. We take arson very seriously and offenders can face a maximum penalty of 25 years imprisonment.” Detective Sergeant Crocker said.

Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any information relating to the fire, the white ute or the identity of the driver, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the Crime Stoppers website on act.crimestoppers.com.au. Information can be provided anonymously.

Media enquiries

Police Media — (02) 6264 9460, act-police-media@afp.gov.au