CCTV Footage Released in Sydney Childcare Centre Arson Probe
New South Wales (NSW) Police have released CCTV footage as part of an ongoing investigation into a suspected arson attack and anti-Semitic vandalism at a childcare centre in Sydney's east earlier this year.
The footage shows two men and a black Audi sedan believed to be linked to the incident, which occurred just after midnight on Jan. 21.
Both men are described as being of medium build, about 180 cm tall, with facial hair, and were wearing dark-coloured hooded jumpers.
The vehicle was seen travelling along the M5 from Fairford Road before the incident, and later exiting the motorway at Kingsgrove Road.
The black Audi was subsequently located in Kingsgrove and seized by police for forensic examination.
Investigators have released still images of the suspects and the car, urging anyone with relevant information or dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
How the Childcare Centre Attack Unfolded
Just after midnight, emergency services were called to the Only About Children childcare centre on Storey Street, Maroubra, following reports of a fire.
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Fire and Rescue NSW crews arrived to find the ground floor alight. The blaze was extinguished, but the building sustained significant damage.
Anti-Semitic graffiti, including offensive language, was spray-painted on an external wall. No one was inside the building at the time, and no injuries were reported.
Although the childcare centre has no known ties to the Jewish community, it is located just a few doors down from a synagogue with its own early learning facilities.
Officers from the Eastern Beaches Police Area Command established a crime scene and launched Strike Force Pearl to investigate the suspicious fire and hate-related vandalism.
Authorities Condemn Hate Crimes
Only About Children CEO Anna Learmonth said the organisation was 'shocked and horrified' by the attack. The incident occurred during a broader surge in anti-Semitic acts across Sydney.
NSW Police reaffirmed their commitment to tackling hate-fuelled violence.
Operation Shelter was established in October 2023 to gather intelligence and respond to hate-related threats following the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Since then, 181 arrests have been made and more than 450 charges laid.
Strike Force Pearl, created to focus specifically on incidents targeting the Jewish community, has led to eight people being charged with a total of 59 offences.
In response to the rising threat, the Australian Federal Police also launched a dedicated task force in December 2024 to investigate hate crimes against the Jewish community and federal parliamentarians.
Police have called for public cooperation, stressing the importance of community vigilance and unity in addressing targeted violence.
'It's vital that we all work together to keep New South Wales a safe place for every community,' NSW Police said.
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