Man charged with murder over house fire that killed 80-year-old

A 50-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder following a deadly house fire that claimed the life of an 80-year-old man in Sydney’s inner west.

Emergency services were called to the scene of the ferocious blaze on Irrara Street in Croydon at around 4am on Wednesday. The fire was so intense that it caused the roof of the single-storey brick home to collapse, forcing firefighters to retreat as they battled the flames.

The body of Ted Grantham, 80, was found inside the property. He has been remembered by loved ones as a gentle and devoted family man who dedicated his life to music and service in the church, where he played the organ.

Following the fire, a major police operation was launched to locate a man who also lived at the residence and was related to the victim. He was tracked down overnight in Woy Woy, on the NSW Central Coast, and was found to be carrying a concealed machete at the time of his arrest.

The man has since been charged with murder.

“This has been an intensive few hours to locate a man we believe can assist with our inquiries into what we allege is a suspicious fire,” said Superintendent Christine McDonald. “It really is tragic.”

An elderly woman, believed to have left the home about three hours before the fire began, is also assisting police with their investigation. Authorities have confirmed that the victim, the arrested man, and the elderly woman are all related.

Six fire trucks and nearly two dozen firefighters responded to the emergency, gaining entry through the back of the property due to the “intense” flames engulfing the front of the house. Video footage taken after the blaze shows the roof collapsed and extensive fire damage throughout the home.

Superintendent McDonald said police are in contact with devastated family members. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the fire continue.

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