Police have released CCTV vision showing a man entering and leaving a building on the former Dapto Bowling Club grounds, moments before it was gutted by fire.
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Black smoke begins wafting from the abandoned property as the man, with a large build and wearing a black t-shirt, emerges from a shed door and walks calmly onto the street about 1pm Tuesday.
Police have shared the footage, captured from a neighbour’s security camera, in the hope of identifying the man.
The footage shows the scene shortly before emergency services were called to the house, which is part of the former Dapto Bowling Club site on Marshall Street.
Five fire crews attended but found the home already well alight.
The fire posed an asbestos safety risk, and firefighters wore masks and took other precautions as they worked.
Ultimately the property was destroyed.
Detectives from Lake Illawarra Police District released the footage on Friday as part of their investigation.
The man is believed to be of Caucasian appearance, aged in his 20s or 30s, with a large build and dark hair.
Anyone with information that can assist investigators is urged to contact police.
The house sits on a 12,730 square metre site that also holds the 70-year-old Dapto Bowling Club grounds and buildings.
Google Maps show the house was well maintained and seemingly habitable in 2007; in more recent years it had fallen into disrepair.
The club closed on July 20, following financial troubles, and was sold for $2.71 million on November 8.
The Mercury understands the site sold to an Illawarra-based buyer – a single-purpose company that was formed specifically to make the transaction.
The sale hasn’t yet settled and the site remains in the hands of liquidators, RT Hospitality Solutions.
The Mercury has sought information on the new owners’ plans for the site.
Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.