Police kicked in the door of a home in Lake Illawarra overnight to rescue a couple after fire broke out in the house next door, NSW Police say.
Emergency services were called to Entrance Street, Lake Illawarra, about 1.10am tomorrow, and found a single-storey house well alight.
As Fire & Rescue NSW fire fighters worked to extinguish the blaze, officers from Lake Illawarra Local Area Command broke down the door of a neighbouring property when the fire spread.
The two residents were removed without injury; they have been taken to stay with friends. Their house has sustained fire and smoke damage.
The first house – which was destroyed – was empty at the time the fire broke out.
A crime scene has been established till the morning when it will be examined; the cause of the fire is yet to be determined.
Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers.