Community's grief for children killed in Lalor Park 'domestic homicide'
Tributes have flowed for three young children who died after their father allegedly lit their western Sydney house on fire and tried to barricade them inside, dragging them back in as neighbours and first responders tried to save them.
A 28-year-old man was arrested and remains in an induced coma under police guard after he allegedly killed a baby girl and two boys, aged three and six, in a horror domestic-violence homicide in Lalor Park.
Candle and flower tributes in Lalor Park for the three children killed in an alleged domestic homicide.Credit: Kate Geraghty
Flowers and candles sat opposite the Freeman Street home, more than 24 hours after emergency services rushed to the scene to respond to reports of a house on fire.
Three candles sat in a line featuring photos and captions of “Saint Charbel” and “St Michael the Archangel”. Several colourful floral bouquets were wrapped around a power pole.
The 28-year-old father allegedly attacked his de facto partner before setting the house ablaze and trapping the family inside, killing the three children about 1am on Sunday.
A nine-year-old girl and three boys, aged four, seven and 11, were taken to Westmead Hospital in a stable condition, along with their mother. No members of the family can be identified for legal reasons.
More flower tributes at Freeman Street after the house fire and a photo of the couple.Credit: Kate Geraghty, Supplied
On Monday morning, the 29-year-old mother remained in a stable condition. Sources not authorised to speak publicly said she was aware of what had happened to her children, although she had been sedated.
The father remained in an induced coma under police guard, having been treated for burns and smoke inhalation.
Some of the children killed and injured in the house fire.
Police sources said one of the young children allegedly told rescuers “dad tried to kill us” as he allegedly attempted to drag some of them back into the home as they ran for their lives.
One neighbour was described as a “hero” for rushing into the home to save the children before rescuers arrived.
Neighbours reported that the parents had been fighting recently and were visited last week by police for a welfare check.
The family had instructed police they were fine and did not need any assistance.
Premier Chris Minns said the “horrifying and senseless act” will leave a “deep wound” in the state of NSW.
“These children deserved a loving home with safety and security, and instead, they’re gone. And I can imagine the people of NSW feel enormous sorrow and deep sympathy with the surviving family members this morning,” he said.
“I’m sure, in the coming days, we’ll reveal a full and comprehensive police inquiry and then a long, but very important search for justice in the criminal justice system.”
MP for Greenway, Michelle Rowland, said her community was devastated.
“My prayers go out to the very young lives cut tragically short,” she said. “I know our entire community is thinking of their family during this incredibly difficult time. I thank our first responders for their bravery and tireless work”.
If you or someone you know is affected by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
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