Homicide detectives at scene of fatal house fire in Melbourne’s east

One person is dead and an elderly man is being questioned by police after a house fire in Melbourne’s east on Wednesday morning.

More than 20 firefighters, plus aerial support, responded to reports of a fire and a man on the roof of the Wantirna property about 8am.

A body was found in the house. Police said the deceased was believed to be a female resident of the home.

An 81-year-old man was taken to hospital under police guard.

Homicide and arson detectives were still at the Templeton Street home by late Wednesday afternoon, and several hundred metres of the street were closed to traffic.

A neighbour told The Age police had recently attended another incident at the same house.

“Detectives will look at any interaction with police involving the occupants of the property as part of this investigation,” police said.

“However it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time given the investigation by the Homicide and Arson and Explosives Squads is in its infancy.”

The neighbour heard sirens and came out to find flames rising from the roof of the double-storey property.

“Others were out there and we were wondering what was happening,” the resident said. “I saw a neighbour and she looked in shock. I guess everyone was in shock.”

Fire crews controlled the blaze in about half an hour.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Atricle by Zach Hope – The Age – Source Link