As police wait for autopsy results on a person found in a burnt-out car in the Royal National Park, they reveal a six-hour time slot may provide vital clues.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A Toyota RAV4 erupted in flames just after midnight on Tuesday in Waterfall Flat Carpark, off McKell Avenue, in Waterfall and when volunteer firefighters extinguished the flames they found human skeletal remains inside.
Two hours later a similar blaze erupted in North Parramatta and when the fire was extinguished a body was found inside the hatchback car.
Police believe the two fires are an eerie coincidence.
On Wednesday, NSW Police Superintendent Craig Middleton said it was currently unknown if the person had died before the fire erupted in the RAV4. He declined to reveal in which part of the car the victim was found.
He declined to confirm if the vehicle had been stolen or where it was registered, but said it was not a Sutherland Shire address.
"We have been able to identify an owner of that vehicle, but we've been unable to talk to that person at this stage," Supt Middleton said.
Police confirmed the fire was reported to emergency services by a member of the public driving in the Royal National Park.
Meanwhile, police said a six-hour window of time might provide police with vital clues they need during their investigation.
"Police are now seeking assistance from members of the public who may have been in the vicinity of the Royal National Park or travelled along the Princes Highway, between Engadine and Waterfall, between 6pm and midnight on Monday," a NSW Police spokesperson said.
"Anyone with dashcam footage or information in relation to a dark-coloured Toyota RAV4 is urged to call Sutherland police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000."
The victims' remains are being forensically examined and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Reading this on mobile web? Download our news app. It's faster, easier to read and we'll send you alerts for breaking news as it happens. Download in the Apple Store or Google Play.
Nadine Morton
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
