Strike Force Areegra detectives investigating the suspicious death of a woman at Bateau Bay have tonight charged a man with damaging a property by fire.
Emergency services were called to Melissa Close about 9.30pm (Sunday 24 August 2025), responding to reports a body had been found in a unit damaged by fire.
Officers attached to Tuggerah Lakes Police District attended and found the body in the loungeroom of the single-level unit. While yet to be formally identified, it's believed to be that of the 77-year-old woman who lived there.
Strike Force Areegra – comprising detectives from Tuggerah Lakes Police District and assisted by State Crime Command's Homicide Squad – was established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death, which is being treated as suspicious.
A 26-year-old man has now been charged with damage property by fire/explosion more than $15000 (DV) in relation to the unit fire at Bateau Bay.
The man had been arrested at Chittaway about 3.30pm yesterday on an outstanding warrant for an unrelated domestic violence-related offence. He was taken to Wyong Police Station where he was charged with the warrant, and later today, over the alleged arson.
The man has been refused bail to appear in Bail Division Local Court 6 tomorrow (Tuesday 26 August 2025).
Detectives are awaiting the outcome of a post-mortem examination of the body to confirm identity and cause of death. Inquiries are continuing.
