JILTED LOVER HUNT

UTE, HOME GO UP IN SMOKE

A MESSAGE scrawled on the back of a home completely gutted by fire is a key clue for investigators looking into a suspected arson.

Plumes of black smoke filled the air in Ashmore, as a Belah St property went up in flames in the early hours of yesterday.

A man renting the home, a 46-year-old Ashmore local, has spoken with detectives about that message, “This is for f---ing my wife,” with police sources saying they could be looking for a jilted lover.

Early investigations suggest the offender broke into a ute parked in a carport at the property sometime before 8am.

They then reversed it into the side of the home and set the car on fire. The blaze quickly spread throughout the building, leaving only charred remains.

Police are also investigating whether a boat, a moped and a trailer were stolen from the home in the lead up to the fire being ignited.

Witnesses told the Bulletin they heard explosions before rushing out of their homes to see the home well alight.

Nearby resident Phil Pope was the first on scene and said he saw the ute on fire.

“I went to open the front door to make sure no one was inside, but I heard an explosion and stayed back,” he said.

Bev Gavin who lives behind the property said she was concerned the strong winds blowing in her direction would spread the blaze to her home.

“I saw the fire from my bedroom and called triple-zero. I heard about three explosions,” she said.

“I’m very thankful. My neighbours ran over and turned off my power and moved my car for me.”

Firefighters rushed to the scene about 8am, with Southport

fire brigade station officer Michael Brown saying they fought the blaze for 20 minutes before it was out.

“Over 50 per cent of the home was on fire, and the rest has been damaged with smoke,” he said.

“A jetski and dual cab ute have been destroyed too.”

The home was still a crime scene yesterday afternoon.

Police Inspector Karen Shaw called on anyone with information or CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward.

Police are also appealing for anyone who might have seen a vehicle driving in the area between 7-8am, towing a tinnie on a boat trailer with QLD registration BV4987.

Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

OVER 50 PER CENT OF THE HOME WAS ON FIRE ... THE REST SMOKE DAMAGED STATION OFFICER MICHAEL BROWN

Picture: GLENN HAMPSON Firefighters work to extinguish the blaze after a stolen Mazda CX5 went up in flames on the corner of Gilston Rd and New St, Nerang.

Pictures: GLENN HAMPSON The scene of the fire at an Ashmore property, where a message was left scrawled on the wall (right).