The strike force name is pronounced MER-TOO.
Detectives have released images and are appealing for information following a suspicious house fire on the state’s Central Coast last year.
About 5.30am on Saturday 21 September 2019, emergency services were called Kallaroo Road, San Remo, following reports a home was well-alight.
The blaze was extinguished by Fire and Rescue NSW, and while no one was inside the property at the time or injured during the blaze, the home was extensively damaged.
The estimated cost to repair the building is more than $500,000.
Detectives from the Financial Crimes Squad’s Arson Unit, with assistance from Tuggerah Lakes Police District, established Strike Force Myrtu to investigate the circumstances surrounding the blaze.
As inquiries continue, police have released images from the scene in an appeal to the community for information.
Financial Crimes Squad’s Arson Unit Coordinator, Detective Chief Inspector Richard Puffett, said investigators are hoping to refresh the memories of anyone who was in the area at the time.
“Over the past few months, strike force detectives have conducted an extensive investigation into this incident, which has led us to believe the home was deliberately set on fire,” Det Ch Insp Puffett said.
“It is most likely that whoever lit the blaze had knowledge of the area and may live in or near the Central Coast.
“As our inquiries continue, we’d like to speak with anyone who may have noticed something suspicious on the Friday evening, into the early hours of Saturday morning, when the fire began,” Det Ch Insp Puffett said.
Investigators are reminding the community of the Insurance Council of Australia’s Arson Rewards Scheme, which offers up to $50,000 for information that leads to successful prosecutions in arson matters.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Myrtu investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or . Information is treated in strict confidence.
