Police hunt trio over Claremont home fire

DETECTIVES and forensic investigators are reviewing evidence collected from the scene of the third suspicious fire in Hobart’s Northern Suburbs over the past week.

An arson incident at Claremont early yesterday morning caused minor damage to a property at 131 Box Hill Rd.

The Tasmania Fire Service responded to reports of a structure fire about 12.30am.

Crews arrived to find a smouldering fire inside, which was quickly extinguished.

The residence was vacant and only minor damage was caused to the laundry and an upstairs bedroom.

Police are looking for three men seen close to the home at the time.

One of the men was wearing a baseball cap and a second man was in a dark-coloured hooded jumper, police said in a statement.

The Bridgewater Criminal Investigation Branch is also investigating circumstances surrounding a suspicious fire at 3 Newbury Place in Bridge- water on 2.20pm.

Investigations by the TFS and police confirmed that the fire was deliberately lit. The blaze caused extensive damage caused to the interior.

Again, no one was inside the home at the time.

Investigations are also still being conducted in relation to a targeted arson attack at 5/7 Aldridge Court in Claremont on July 17.

Police believe none of the three incidents is linked.

“Tasmania Police urge members of the public to come forward with any information regarding these incidents – we rely heavily on the community for information and often information that you may think is not relevant could be the one piece of information that identifies the people responsible, ” Detective-Sergeant Ben Duffey said.

Information can be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or on the website www. crimestopperstas.com.au. Saturday about