Suspected ‘squat’ up in flames

ANOTHER abandoned house in Southport went up in flames yesterday – the third in a year.

The Eugaree St property was ablaze at 3.30pm, destroying the front room of the home.

Emergency services said there was evidence the home had been occupied by squatters.

The fire follows a ferocious blaze at an abandoned Waverley St property last October. Another blaze in April destroyed a squatters’ house on the corner of Norman and North streets.

The 2500sq m block had since been put up for sale by CBRE and until recently a tent had been put up on the site.

Neighbours near the Eugaree St blaze say the street has become a problem.

Eyvonne Gate, 88, said she has had to call police at least 100 times in the past two years.

“I can’t sleep at night. It’s made the last two years hell on earth,” Mrs Gate said.

“The police are marvellous, but they can’t be here all the time.”

Mrs Gate has had to remove the outside taps of her home to prevent people from accessing her water after receiving extremely high water bills.

Senior Constable Brendon Kelly said two people were seen leaving the Eugaree St property not long after the fire started.

“The inside of the house is just filled with rubbish and there is asbestos throughout the house.”

Firefighters couldn’t what started the fire.

“No occupants were there at the time but there is evidence that people have been living in the house and the sheds behind it,” Southport Fire Station officer Larry Gray said. confirm