A man has died in a shed fire at Richmond, in Tasmania’s south-east, as police investigate two blazes in the town that they believe are linked.
Emergency services were first called to a fire on Franklin Street, initially reported as Bridge Street, around 5:50am on Friday.
A small business was damaged in that fire.
A short time later, at 6:25am, crews were called to a second fire burning inside a six-metre by nine-metre steel shed on Prossers Road.
Tasmania Fire Service crews put out the blaze. The body of a man was found inside the shed.
Police said investigations into both fires were ongoing and the two were believed to be connected.
“At this stage it is believed they are linked,” police said in a statement, adding there was “no evidence to suggest any other person was involved”.
Police earlier said the shed fire was believed to have been deliberately lit.
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
“Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the deceased,” police said.
Anyone with information about either fire or any suspicious activity in the area is being urged to come forward.
Police have asked people to contact South East CIB on 131 444 and quote reference OR807934.
