WA Police are investigating a suspicious fire in Kalgoorlie-Boulder overnight

The blaze started on Thursday evening at a house in Watts Close.

Kalgoorlie fire.

Community members watch as Police investigate a suspicious fire in Kalgoorlie. Source: NITV News

Police were out in force as the smoke cleared across Kalgoorlie early this morning. 

Arson squad detectives have been called in to investigate.
kalgoorlie
Fire and Emergency Rescue confirmed a blaze started at the house at around 6:30pm. Source: AAP
Tensions have been high in Kalgoorlie-Boulder since 14-year-old Elijah Doughty was run off the road and killed last month.  

The teenager's death sparked protests outside Kalgoorlie courthouse as a 55-year-old man was charged with manslaughter, which left several people furious that the charge against the accused was not more serious.
As word of the fire spread through social media, dozens of locals arrived on the scene and at the nearby Doughty residence where there was a tense stand-off with police.

Photos also show Police patrolling Johnston Street in South Kalgoorlie and setting up outside the Watts Close home as it burned.
Kalgoorlie fire.
Family of Elijah Doughty watch on as Police investigate the fire that started in Kalgoorlie. Source: NITV News
A second incident occurred hours later at the site where Elijah's family and supporters had erected a memorial and Sorry camp at Gribble Creek - the exact place where the teen was run down.

Two Four-Wheel Drives allegedly drove into the camp and nearly collided with people who were camped there. 

Police Officers were on the scene when the incident occurred and witnesses were taken to Kalgoorie Police station to make statements.
Kalgoorlie house fire
The aftermath of the fire. Source: NITV News
NITV has spoken to witnesses who were still shaken by the incident.

According to locals, racial tension have continued to simmer in the goldfields community following Elijah's death and the violent protest that followed.


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2 min read
Published 16 September 2016 9:14am
Updated 16 September 2016 1:42pm
By NITV Staff Writer
Source: NITV News


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