Police investigate suspicious fire at Turramurra childcare centre

A suspicious fire has damaged a childcare centre in Sydney’s north, prompting a full-scale police investigation.

Emergency services were called to Play to Learn at Turramurra, shortly after 4:15am on Friday 11 July, following reports of smoke and flames at a two-storey early learning service.

Fire and Rescue NSW crews arrived to find the building’s sprinkler system had successfully activated, extinguishing most of the fire before it could engulf the structure. While the fire was contained quickly, it left significant damage to the front entrance of the service.

There were no injuries reported, and no one was on the premises at the time of the incident.

In a statement to media, Fire and Rescue NSW confirmed that investigators had identified evidence suggesting that petrol had been poured through parts of the building, sparking concerns of a deliberate, targeted attack.

NSW Police have since established a crime scene and are leading an investigation into the incident. Authorities are examining the scene, collecting forensic evidence, and reviewing nearby CCTV footage to determine the exact cause and identify any suspects.

The incident has shocked members of the local community and the broader early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector, with many expressing deep concern that a facility dedicated to children’s learning, safety, and wellbeing could be the target of such a dangerous act.

While the centre was not operational at the time and no children or staff were present, the implications of a targeted attack on an early learning setting.

NSW Police are urging anyone who saw or heard anything unusual in the vicinity of the Pacific Highway, Turramurra, between 3:30am and 5:00am to come forward.

Crime Stoppers can be contacted confidentially on 1800 333 000 or through their website.

Authorities have not yet confirmed a motive, and no arrests have been made at this time.

This article includes information originally published by News Corp Australia.