Arabic version: ثلاثة يمثلون أمام محكمة في إقليم العاصمة الأسترالية على خلفية مزاعم حريق متعمد في جيرالانغ

According to ABC News, an 18-year-old and two 17-year-olds from western Sydney have faced ACT courts over an alleged arson attack at a home in Giralang, in Canberra’s north. The incident occurred on Friday at a residence on Gidjili Place.

Two female residents fled the house just after 11am, and the ACT Children’s Court heard they remain in hospital and are “extremely scared”. Police allege two males entered the home, used jerry cans to pour fuel throughout the property and set it alight before leaving in a silver sedan driven by a third male.

Police said witnesses and CCTV helped identify the vehicle, which was traced to the Federal and Hume Highways and stopped by NSW Police. A search of the car allegedly found lighters, face coverings and fuel-soaked clothing matching that worn by the alleged offenders. Police are also investigating possible links to previous arson incidents at the Giralang residence.

The three males were arrested and first faced courts in New South Wales for extradition to the ACT. They have been charged with arson and acts endangering life by throwing an inflammable substance. The adult and one 17-year-old did not apply for bail. Magistrate Amy Begley granted bail to the other teenager, despite describing the allegations as “incredibly serious charges”, saying remand was not in his best interests. He must not return to the ACT except for court, must observe a curfew at his western Sydney home, and cannot come within 100 metres of his alleged co-offenders or alleged victims. He is due back in the ACT Children’s Court in late August.