Arson and Attempted Murder Charges Laid After Devastating Clontarf House Fire
A man has been charged with attempted murder and arson following a destructive house fire that engulfed a property in Clontarf, north of Brisbane, yesterday afternoon. The blaze not only levelled the main residence but also spread to two neighbouring homes, prompting an emergency declaration and evacuations in the area.
The 36-year-old suspect, who police allege used accelerant to deliberately start the fire at a relative’s house on Weaber Street around 1:50pm before fleeing the scene, was initially arrested and charged with arson as a domestic violence offence. However, as the investigation unfolded, authorities laid further, more serious charges.
On Sunday evening, police confirmed that the man was facing additional charges, including three counts of attempted murder, also categorised as a domestic violence offence, and two more counts of arson.
The Incident Unfolds
According to police reports, the man was apprehended by a dog squad unit shortly after the inferno erupted. The fire’s intensity was such that it completely destroyed the primary house and encroached upon two adjacent properties.
The affected residence belongs to Ben Beaumont and Michelle Liddle, parents of Angus Beaumont, who was tragically murdered in 2020. Tragically, the couple, along with another individual, were inside their home when the fire broke out. Fortunately, all three managed to escape the escalating flames without sustaining any physical injuries.
In the wake of the devastating event, Ben Beaumont and Michelle Liddle, who operate a local gardening business, took to social media to express their gratitude for the overwhelming support received from the community. They acknowledged the significant impact the fire would have on their livelihood, stating they would need to temporarily close their business for a period of one to two weeks. This downtime will be crucial for them to rebuild essential equipment and secure a new place to live.
Firefighting Efforts and Community Impact
Queensland Fire Department Superintendent Mark Halverson described the scene on Saturday, detailing the immense effort required to combat the blaze. He confirmed that 34 firefighters were deployed and it took approximately two hours to bring the flames under control.
“The fire in the three houses that have been affected was severely intense, and they had to do a great job to stop the spread to further dwellings,” Superintendent Halverson stated, commending the crews for their diligence in preventing further property damage.
The severity of the smoke emanating from the burning structures led to an emergency declaration being issued. Nearby residents were advised to evacuate their homes to ensure their safety from the hazardous conditions.
Speaking from the scene, Acting Inspector Jason Higgs revealed that police were already en route to a reported disturbance related to alleged domestic violence when the call about the house fire came through. This juxtaposition of events underscores the gravity and multifaceted nature of the incident.
The 36-year-old man, identified as being from Dakabin, is scheduled to appear before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday, June 1. He faces a significant legal battle, confronting three charges of attempted murder (domestic violence) and three counts of arson. The outcome of these charges will undoubtedly be closely watched as the community grapples with the aftermath of this harrowing event.
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