17 September 2024

Body found after suspicious house fire in Spence, police investigate

| Albert McKnight
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Emergency services workers were called to the Crofts Place house fire on Tuesday morning. Photo: Michelle Kroll.

A person has been found dead after a house fire in northern Canberra and a man is helping police with their investigation after the blaze was thought to be suspicious.

ACT Policing’s Detective Inspector Matt Sprague said at about 10:45 am on Tuesday (17 September), police and ACT Fire & Rescue were called to the scene of a house fire at Crofts Place in Spence.

“The fire was extinguished but, sadly, the body of a person was located inside the home,” he said.

“The fire is being deemed suspicious, and a man is assisting police with their enquiries.”

He urged witnesses to the fire to contact police.

At 1:30 pm on Tuesday, an ACT Emergency Services Agency spokesperson told Region that emergency services heard about the fire at 10:42 am and firefighters, paramedics and police were sent to the scene.

The spokesperson said the fire was brought under control and there was “no danger to the community”.

Also, police said there was no ongoing threat to public safety.

ACT Policing’s Detective Inspector Matt Sprague speaks to media at the scene. Photo: Region.

A neighbour, Siro Banvolfo, told media he had taken his rubbish bin out to the street at about 10 that morning when he saw emergency services on the scene and the “very thick smoke” from the fire.

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Mr Banvolfo said he had known the family who lived at the house since 1975.

“The lady there… was a good friend of my wife. They are wonderful people,” he said.

Neighbour Siro Banvolfo spoke to media at the scene of the house fire in Spence on 17 September 2024. Photo: Michelle Kroll.

He said he was worried about the woman who lived at the home.

“I hope nothing happened to her,” he said.

“It is a quiet and good neighbourhood.”

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Police ask anyone who saw the fire or was in the vicinity of Crofts Place before 10:45 am on Tuesday to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website by clicking here. Quote reference number P2284979.

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