PLEASE NOTE: Areegra is pronounced ah-REE-gra
Strike Force Areegra has been formed after a body was found following a unit fire at Bateau Bay overnight.
Emergency services were called to a unit block on Melissa Close about 9.30pm (Sunday 24 August 2025), responding to reports of a unit fire.
Officers attached to Tuggerah Lakes Police District attended and found a 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 lives in the unit.
Strike Force Areegra has now been established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death. It comprises detectives attached to Tuggerah Lakes Police District, assisted by State Crime Command's Homicide Squad.
A crime scene was established and remains active, with specialist Scene of Crime officers and Fire Investigators examining the unit.
Initial inquiries indicate the woman had suffered severe burns; however, a post-mortem examination will be conducted in coming days to confirm identity and her cause of death.
The death is being treated as suspicious and investigators are appealing for anyone with information to contact police.
Tuggerah Lakes Police District Commander, Detective Superintendent Chad Gillies, confirmed a member of the public located an item nearby on Joseph Banks Oval, and handed it in to police.
"This item has been taken for further examination; however, I am appealing for anyone who saw any suspicious activity on the oval between 9pm Saturday (23 August 2025) and 9pm Sunday (24 August 2025), to contact Wyong Police.
"We are also keen to speak with anyone who saw any activity around the home unit on Melissa Close between the same hours.
"While the body of the woman was not discovered until 9.30pm, information provided to police indicate the fire may have been burning for some hours before it was detected.
"Anyone with information they believe can assist is urged to contact Wyong Police or Crime Stoppers," Det Supt Gillies said.
A 26-year-old man believed to be known to the woman has been arrested on an unrelated outstanding warrant for domestic violence and robbery offences.
He was arrested at Chittaway yesterday about 3.30pm and remains in police custody at Wyong Police Station.
No charges have been laid in relation to the overnight fire, and inquiries are continuing.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au Information is managed on a confidential basis. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
