Suspected Arson at Perth Home Followed by 'Pay Your Debt Dog' Graffiti
Authorities are investigating a house fire in Perth, Australia, where an alarming message was found spray-painted on the driveway.
A house in the affluent suburb of Mt Pleasant in Perth, Australia, was severely damaged by fire early Wednesday morning, with authorities investigating the incident as a suspected arson. An ominous message, reading 'pay your debt dog,' was discovered spray-painted in red on the home's driveway.
Emergency services were alerted to the blaze on Ullapool Road at approximately 3:17 a.m. Firefighters spent an hour bringing the fire under control, by which time both levels of the two-story home had sustained extensive damage. Photos from the scene show the roof had caved in and the facade was blackened by smoke.
Police confirmed that no injuries were reported. An arson squad van arrived at the property later in the morning, and officers cordoned off the area with police tape. Detectives are working to determine if the fire was deliberately set and if the graffiti is connected to the incident.
Initial investigations suggest the fire originated at the front door of the house, which was purchased for $2,250,000 in 2019. Gareth Deeg, district officer for the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, described the property as severely burnt and no longer habitable.
Neighbors reported hearing 'two bangs' prior to the fire erupting. One resident, Lina Davison, expressed concern for the occupants but noted the homeowners were reportedly on holiday. Another neighbor described the graffiti as a 'confronting' sight and the flames as 'horrific,' stating the incident had unsettled the neighborhood.
Authorities are appealing to the public for any information or footage related to the incident and have urged anyone with details to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.