A boy was allegedly ‘snatched’ from the arms of a father accused of setting fire to his home in a blaze that killed three of his children and seriously injured four others and his partner.
The 28-year-old allegedly He entrenched his companion, 29 and their seven children inside their housing commission home in Lalor Park, It was set alight in western Sydney at around 1am on Sunday.
Emergency services rushed to the house and rescued six of the children and two adults. The charred remains of a five-month-old girl were later found.
Two children, aged six and two, died shortly after being taken to hospital, while their four siblings, aged between four and 11, are now in stable condition.
The father, who cannot be named for legal reasons, woke up in hospital and faced Parramatta Local Court on a number of charges for the first time on Thursday.
In court he was banned from contacting any of the survivors.
He was refused bail and is expected to appear before Penrith Local Court on September 6 on three counts of murder (DV), five counts of attempted murder (DV) and also destroying/damaging property with intent to endanger life (DV).
A 28-year-old man has been denied bail after allegedly setting fire to his home using accelerant, killing his three children on Sunday.
Homicide squad commander Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty told reporters on Thursday that the father had woken up from an induced coma and had been charged by police.
Mr Doherty said he “understands that three of his children died as a result of this house fire and he understands that he has been charged with those offences”.
“I can’t really say much because he’s in court now in relation to what he said, but he has spoken and communicated,” she said.
The defendant had difficulty speaking after suffering smoke inhalation, but “has recovered fairly well,” Doherty said.
Police will allege the father was “solely responsible for setting the fire” inside the house and used accelerant throughout the house, creating an “explosive situation.”
He is also alleged to have locked the bedroom doors shortly after starting a fire inside the room, trapping those inside.
“We have alleged that there is some sort of argument or domestic dispute that may have led to this incident occurring and escalating into this horrendous, murderous act,” Doherty said, adding that police are “still piecing that all together.”
The heartbroken mother returned to the devastated home shortly after being released from the hospital and helped report the incident to police and investigators.
“(She) was obviously devastated and heartbroken, but she was supported throughout the journey,” Doherty said.
His partner, 29, has been discharged from hospital and four of his children remain in a stable condition, as he faced the court from his bed.
Police allege she locked the doors to her children’s bedrooms after starting fires in the rooms and fought with rescuers trying to get her family out of the house (pictured)
The defendant had difficulty speaking after suffering smoke inhalation, but “had recovered fairly well.”
Mr Doherty said police will also allege the father had attempted to hinder the efforts of emergency services and good Samaritan neighbours trying to save his children.
“They allegedly had to wrestle this man and grab the (11-year-old) child out of his hands because he was holding him,” Doherty said.
‘The boy was rescued and then the man put up some resistance and was also arrested.’
The local community has helped provide support to the devastated family, including financial, housing and support services.
“Out of these tragic circumstances we see good people coming to the surface and getting all the help I can,” Doherty said.
Police have been interviewing several witnesses who came forward after the incident as investigations into the fire remain ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police.