Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward as their inquiries continue into the circumstances surrounding a fire at Neutral Bay early this morning, NSW Police say.
About 5.15am (Sunday 2 September 2018), emergency services were called to Waters Road after reports of an explosion and fire in a shop.
On arrival, a 42-year-old man suffering burns to his legs was located on the footpath.
He was treated at the scene and taken to Royal North Shore Hospital where he remains in a critical condition.
Police from North Shore Police Area Command attended and assisted officers from Fire & Rescue NSW at the scene.
Numerous residents were evacuated from the premises above the shop.
There were no other reports of injury, however, several people were treated for smoke inhalation.
Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the blaze and have appealed for anyone with information about the fire to come forward.
Road closures remain at Waters Road and motorists are advised to avoid the area.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
