Police in Sydney are probing a possible decade-long rivalry as the motive behind a recent firebombing incident at a home in Russell Lea. Neighbours on Burnell Street were jolted awake around 2.30am as two parked cars in the driveway erupted in flames, leading to a dramatic scene as one resident was seen running near the fire and fleeing into a neighbouring garage.
Emergency services responded swiftly, managing to contain the blaze, which threatened to spread to nearby garage doors and other vehicles. The firefighters took approximately thirty minutes to fully extinguish the flames. Messages found on two of the charred cars included the phrase “100% gronks,” suggesting prior animosity.
At the time of the incident, over eleven individuals were present in the residence, including a two-week-old baby. CCTV footage captured two individuals setting the vehicles alight before fleeing the scene. This attack marked the second time this particular home had been targeted; a similar incident occurred in 2013, with two men seen on camera igniting parked cars outside the property—those culprits were never apprehended.
The family residing at the address has been there since 2002, and their home is reportedly associated with an entertainment business linked to a nightclub and record label. NSW Police Superintendent Christine McDonald has spoken about the family, describing them as “well-connected” within the community. While investigations continue, Superintendent McDonald mentioned that the police are still determining any existing connections to the case.
As detectives delve into the background of this ongoing feud, they are exploring whether the perpetrators of the recent attack might also be connected to the arson that took place years ago. Given the duration of the conflict, Superintendent McDonald expressed surprise: “A decade-long feud is one that we will look into. I mean, it’s a hell of a long time to hold a grudge.” The inquiry is ongoing as police seek to establish the reasons behind the targeted attacks on this home.