Police are searching for two people seen running from a vacant house in Hobart’s north moments after it was allegedly set alight.
Emergency services were called to Poplar Road in Risdon Vale around 1:50am on Monday after reports of smoke coming from the property.
Firefighters arrived to find the blaze well alight but quickly brought it under control before confirming no one was inside.
Police say much of the interior was damaged by fire and smoke and believe the blaze was deliberately lit.
“A witness reported seeing two people near the property around the time of the fire and running towards Sycamore Road,” police said.
Detectives, working with fire service investigators, have launched an inquiry to determine how the blaze started and who was responsible.
Anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area, or who has security or dash-cam footage from around 1:50am, is urged to contact police or provide information anonymously to Crime Stoppers.
