Man assisting police with inquiries after new car was destroyed in suspicious fire in Albany CBD

Albany detectives have interviewed a potential suspect but are yet to lay charges after a suspicious car fire near York Street on Friday night. Emergency services were called to the rear carpark of a real estate business on the city’s main strip about 7pm after reports of a bin fire. The fire quickly spread from rubbish bins to a nearby Volkswagen Polo, destroying a new fleet car belonging to Professionals Arthur Johnston Snowball. Workers from nearby businesses and passers-by watched on as the car went up in flames at the back of a building in the heart of the CBD. Several loud bangs rang out as firefighters battled the blaze. “Police were advised that someone had observed a male person near the back of a car and at the bins,” Detective Acting Inspector Darryl Noye said. “The rubbish bins were on fire at the rear of the premises and that caused the motor vehicle to catch on fire.” The 2021 VW Polo was destroyed in the fire. Police say witnesses saw a man at the scene in the lead-up to the incident. “A male person that was in the area was identified,” Acting Insp. Noye said. “He was interviewed and is still helping detectives with their inquiries. The fire was suspicious and Albany detectives are treating this as a serious arson offence. “We are still seeking anyone that can assist with the investigation or may have been in the area around the time of the incident.” Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperswa.com.au.