Croydon fire: Man charged with murder after a body was found in horror house blaze
A man has been charged with the murder of an elderly relative who died in a fatal house fire in Sydney’s inner west.
Fire crews were called to Irrara St in Croydon just after 4am on Wednesday, following reports a vicious blaze was engulfing a home.
After bringing the fire under control, crews conducted a search of the premises and located the body of a man.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“While yet to be formally identified, police suspect it is that of an 80-year-old man who lived there,” NSW Police said in a statement.
On Wednesday afternoon, NSW Police released a photo of Christopher David Grantham, 50, alongside a wide public appeal for help to locate him.
Burwood Police Area Commander Superintendent Christine McDonald said police held concerns for the man’s welfare at the time and was related to the 80-year-old and an elderly woman who was assisting police with their inquiries.
Police were later notified a man matching Mr Grantham’s description had allegedly threatened staff with a machete before taking cigarettes at a service station on Parramatta Rd in Haberfield about 4.20am.
Mr Grantham was arrested by officers attached to Brisbane Water Police District at Woy Woy at 7.40pm.
A machete was allegedly concealed in his pants.
He was taken to Gosford Police Station and is now facing charges of murder, destroy or damage property with intent to endanger life – DV related, and armed robbery.
Mr Grantham was refused bail and is expected to appear before Gosford Local Court on Thursday.
Supt. McDonald described the elderly man’s death in the blaze as an “absolute tragedy”.
“We are speaking to people who we know would be devastated by what has happened today,” she said.
“It is tragic. We don’t want anyone to pass away in the circumstances, but to live such a full life and pass away like this is an absolute tragedy.”
Fire and Rescue NSW deployed six fire trucks and 22 firefighters to extinguish the ferocious blaze but said structural issues hindered search efforts.
“(The) roof has collapsed concealing hot spots and making search difficult,” FRNSW said in a post on X.
If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.
