CCTV released in East Maitland barber shop arson investigation

newy.com.au – Detectives from the State Crime Command’s Raptor Squad North have released CCTV as they appeal for information about a suspicious fire at a barber shop in East Maitland in September.

Emergency services were called about 1am on 14 September 2025 to a shopping precinct on Garnett Road after reports of a suspicious fire, with officers establishing a crime scene and starting inquiries before the matter was referred to Raptor Squad North under Strike Force Samton.

Police believe two unknown men seen in the area hours earlier could assist investigators, and are also seeking information about the movements of vehicles linked to the incident.

Detectives say that about 10.20pm on 13 September 2025 the two men were seen walking from Alfred Close into the shopping precinct, with one wearing a dark hooded jumper with a yellow logo.

About 11pm, the man in the hooded jumper returned to the barber shop with another unknown male described as wearing grey tracksuit pants, a dark jumper and a moon boot.

The men then left the precinct before returning in a silver Commodore and a white van, police said.

As inquiries continue, detectives are urging anyone who can identify the men or who saw the vehicles in the area around the time of the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, with information treated confidentially. Police have also reminded the public not to provide information via NSW Police social media pages.