Man charged with murder after fire
POLICE will address the media this morning about a murder charge laid overnight against a 47-year-old man in relation to a fatal house fire at South Grafton.
About 2.30am on Friday May 18, police were called to a home in Margaret Cres, South Grafton, by NSW Fire and Rescue officers who were fighting a blaze at the residence.
Upon entry, the body of a 47-year-old woman was located inside.
The woman was the sole occupant of the home.
A post mortem revealed that while the woman suffered severe burns, she also had other injuries.
Strike Force Bachell was formed to investigate the incident.
It comprises detectives from Coffs-Clarence Local Area Command, who have been assisted by investigators from State Crime Command's Homicide and Property Crime Squads.
About 5pm on Thursday, a 47-year-old man was arrested at a residence in George St, South Grafton.
The man was taken to Grafton Police Station, where he was charged with murder and two counts of damaging property by fire.
He was refused bail to appear at Grafton Local Court today.
