Updated 4pm, Friday January 5: A man has been taken into custody after a fatal house fire in Glenorchy claimed a person’s life this morning.
The 40-year-old was arrested shortly before 2pm on Friday, around 7 hours after the significant blaze was first reported to authorities.
He is yet to be charged and is “assisting police” with their enquiries.
“As part of the investigation, a second crime scene was declared in Park Street, North Hobart after a vehicle was found on fire,” police say.
Both fires are believed to be linked.
Detective Acting Inspector Nick Bowden said police forensic services and fire scene investigators are working to determine the cause and motive behind the blaze.
“The investigation is still in the very early stages. Formal identification of the deceased person will take some time to determine,” he said.
“This is a tragic outcome, and our thoughts are with those affected.”
Police are asking anyone with information about a Blue Mazda 6 sedan, registration L78BI, that was seen in the area of Park Street, North Hobart or Glenorchy around 7am Friday to contact them on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
9am, Friday January 5: A crime scene has been declared at a Glenorchy house after a “suspicious fire” tore through the property this morning.
Emergency services were called to the home on Sanders Street shortly before 7am on Friday.
Police say the body of a person has since been located inside the residence.
Fire investigators and detectives are expected to remain at the property for much of the morning as a detailed scene examination is undertaken.
8:10am, Friday January 5: Plumes of smoke can be seen across Glenorchy this morning as firefighters battle a large structure fire.
The Tasmania Fire Service say crews were called to the Sanders Street address around 6:55am on Friday.
Images from the scene show thick black smoke billowing from the home and large flames engulfing the property.
It is unclear if anyone was inside the building at the time.
