By Perry Duffin
Police believe a father set fire to his Sydney home with his family inside – dragging his own children back into the inferno while fighting off neighbours and rescuers – in a horrific “domestic homicide” that claimed three young lives.
One of the surviving children allegedly told rescuers, “Dad tried to kill us” and described fighting to break free of their father’s grip to save their siblings from the flames.
Emergency services rushed to Freeman Street in Lalor Park following reports of a house on fire at 1am on Sunday.
The fire claimed the lives of a baby girl and two boys aged three and six.
A nine-year-old girl and three boys, aged four, seven and 11, were taken to Westmead Hospital in a stable condition.
Police have allegedly been told the father attacked his de facto partner before setting the house ablaze and trapping the family inside.
The scene at Lalor Park on Sunday morning, and the couple who lived in the house.Credit: Dion Georgopoulos, Supplied
One of the older children, still in primary school, allegedly fought against the man to try to save their siblings but was attacked and pinned down, witnesses have told police.
“Dad tried to kill us,” the child later told rescuers, according to sources.
A heroic neighbour rushed in to attempt to save the children before police and firefighters arrived.
But the 28-year-old father allegedly fought them off as well while screaming “leave me here to die”, witnesses said.
Police and forensics attend the scene after three children died in a house fire on Freeman Street in Lalor Park.Credit: Dion Georgopoulos
“I can confirm during police attempts to get into the property, those efforts were frustrated by a male inside,” acting Superintendent Jason Pietruszka said.
Instead, the man allegedly attempted to drag the children back into the burning home, police and sources close to the family allege.
The man was detained at the scene and rushed to hospital with burns and smoke inhalation. He is under arrest and remains in an induced coma.
Firefighters found the body of the 10-month-old girl only after extinguishing the blaze. The body was removed on Sunday afternoon as forensic investigators picked through the wreckage.
A silver people-mover van sat in the driveway behind police tape at the home.Credit: TNV
“It does appear that the 28-year-old man is responsible for multiple deaths of young lives that have been tragically taken away,” homicide squad commander Danny Doherty said.
The mother was taken to hospital, along with her children. No members of the family can be identified for legal reasons.
“This is horrifying and senseless,” said NSW Premier Chris Minns. “These children deserved love and protection and a caring home. Our love and thoughts are with the surviving family members.
“NSW will support them for as long as necessary, as they seek to recover from this unfathomable event. Our thoughts are also with the emergency service workers who fought to save lives last night, and who will also be recovering in their own way after a horrible night.”
The mother’s online profiles are filled with adoring photographs of the children; “Love our babies” next to a sparkling heart, “happy birthday our boy” with a boy opening a gift, “family bond like no other” and a collage of smiling faces.
The scene at Lalor Park early on Sunday morning.Credit: TNV
“It’s completely and utterly devastating for people that know the family, that go to school with the other children that live within there,” Pietruszka said.
“It’s a close-knit community. They know each other, they see each other regularly. This will have a long-lasting impact.”
‘He seemed down’: friend
A neighbour said that he had spent time with the alleged killer late last week and noticed he seemed emotional and angry.
Three of the child victims of what police are investigating as a possible domestic homicide.
“He seemed down, not his usual happy self,” the man said, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
The couple at the centre of the tragedy had been fighting, he added, but it was beyond shocking to think it would end with three dead.
The friend, in tears, said he had known the mother his entire life and was close with the neighbour who rushed in to confront the alleged killer.
“He’s a hero, he deserves a bloody medal,” the friend said.
Police confirmed the accused father has no notable criminal history, no apprehended violence orders and no ongoing court matters.
But, police sources said, officers had visited the home for a “welfare check” last week.
The family had instructed police they were fine and did not need any assistance.
‘I would have bolted across’
One neighbour said he raced outside after his elderly father saw the home engulfed in flames.
“I’m assuming it wasn’t in the roof because it was just coming out the front window,” a neighbour said recalling the blaze.
He didn’t realise there were children trapped inside.
Fire and police investigators at the brick home on Freeman Street, Lalor Park.Credit: TNV
“I’m just a bit shocked now that I ... I just found out about the kids, you know?” he said. “I wouldn’t have stood around like an idiot; I would have bolted across there.”
‘A complete shock’
Others at the scene recalled the man walking his children to school.
“It’s a shock, a complete shock, particularly for anyone with kids,” one resident said.
Both windows of the home looking out over the street, and the front door, were blown open revealing an interior completely gutted and blackened by fire.
A silver people-mover van, the type favoured by large families, sat in the driveway behind police tape.
Police expect to charge the father once he wakes from his coma.
If you or someone you know is affected by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. Crisis support is available from Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
clarification
The ages of the children have been updated.