Members of the Major Crime Unit are currently investigating a series of fires in the Leanyer area early this morning.

At about 5:00am today NT Fire and Rescue Service personnel were called to vehicle fire at Hibiscus Shopping Centre car park. Fire Fighters extinguished blaze which left the two utilities with extensive damage.

About twenty minutes later NT Fire and Rescue crews were called to a nearby unit on Baroalba Street after receiving reports of a structure fire.

It appears a vehicle parked at the unit block was initially lit on fire causing a residence to catch alight. Fire crews evacuated the area and a short time later extinguished the fire.

St John Ambulance conveyed three people to Royal Darwin Hospital where an 8-year-old boy has died and a 47-year-old woman and 11-year-old boy remain in a critical condition.

A short time later Fire crews attended Rosewood Crescent, Leanyer, after receiving a report of a further vehicle fire. Members extinguished the blaze however the vehicle received extensive damage.

Further enquiries have revealed that a tavern at the Hibiscus Shopping Centre was unlawfully entered and attempted to be set alight by unknown offender(s.

Extensive searches have been conducted of the area and a person of interest is currently assisting police with their investigation.

Police and Fire Investigators are working to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the fires and subsequent death.

Police are appealing for public assistance and urge any one who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area or have further information to contact them on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Media Contact:
Rickie Scoot
0417770686