Police are investigating a suspicious fire in a unit block at Wollongong this morning.
About 2.30am (Tuesday 13 July 2021), emergency services were called to the complex on Bligh Street after reports that two mattresses were alight in a common stairwell.
Officers from Wollongong Police District have been told a person was seen leaving via a common entry door shortly after the fire.
Fire and Rescue NSW attended and extinguished the blaze.
Several residents were escorted from the premises and treated for smoke inhalation. No one was seriously injured, and residents were returned to their homes.
The unit sustained minor smoke and water damage.
Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire, which is being treated as suspicious.
Police believe this was a targeted incident.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that may assist police with their inquiries, is urged to come forward and call Wollongong Police on 4226 7899 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
