Devastating Arson Attack Hits Family Already Scarred by Tragedy
A Queensland family, still reeling from the tragic loss of their teenage son, has been dealt another devastating blow. Their home, along with two neighbouring properties, was engulfed in flames in what police are treating as a deliberate arson attack. Adding to the heartbreak, a relative of the family has been charged in connection with the blaze.
The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon in Clontarf, a suburb on the Redcliffe Peninsula, just a short distance from where 15-year-old Angus Beaumont was fatally stabbed in March 2020. The latest tragedy has left Angus’s mother, Michelle Liddle, her partner Ben Beaumont, and their other son homeless, having lost everything in the fire.
Mandy Beaumont, Angus’s aunt and a published author, confirmed the devastating news and has launched a GoFundMe appeal to support her grieving family. She described the terrifying ordeal, stating, “It was an alleged arson attack while they were in their house – my brother, his partner, and their son. It looks like they’ve lost everything.”
The emotional toll on the family is immense, compounded by the unresolved grief from Angus’s murder. “This on top of [Angus’s murder] is just too much,” Mandy shared, her voice heavy with distress. “I don’t know what’s left of the house. Angus’s ashes are in the house, and I don’t know what’s to come of them, but it looks pretty bad.”
A Community on Edge: The Fire and its Aftermath
Police allege that the fire began around 1:50 pm on Saturday when the suspect, identified as 36-year-old Corey Wardle, allegedly used an accelerant to ignite one of the homes on Weaber Street before fleeing the scene. Wardle is understood to be Angus Beaumont’s maternal half-brother and operates a local yard maintenance business.
The inferno quickly escalated, with emergency services reporting that by 3 pm, twelve fire trucks were battling the blaze. The fire proved relentless, spreading rapidly and engulfing two adjacent properties, leaving them destroyed.
In response to the escalating danger, police declared a public safety exclusion zone at 2:10 pm, advising residents in the surrounding streets – including Watson, Isobel, Enoch, Gerald Avenue, Wendy Crescent, Bright Avenue, and Cornelius Street – to remain indoors with their windows shut. This emergency declaration was eventually revoked at 4:20 pm as firefighters brought the situation under control.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported as a result of the fire. Police located Wardle with the assistance of the police dog squad. He has since been charged with arson (domestic violence) and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, June 1.
Support for a Family in Crisis
The loss of their home, coupled with the unimaginable grief of losing Angus and now facing this alleged act of violence, has left the family in dire straits. The GoFundMe campaign aims to provide essential support for the family as they begin the arduous process of rebuilding their lives.
Mandy Beaumont’s appeal highlights the urgent need for assistance, emphasizing that the family has lost “everything.” The community’s response will be crucial in helping them navigate this incredibly challenging period.
For anyone experiencing distress or needing support, helplines are available:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
- 1800RESPECT: National domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling, information, and support service on 1800 737 732
- Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
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