NSW: Police to establish taskforce to investigate NSW bushfires

AAP General News (Australia)
12-27-2001
NSW: Police to establish taskforce to investigate NSW bushfires

A police taskforce will be set up to investigate reports of arson behind the devastating
bushfires in New South Wales.

Senior Deputy Police Commissioner KEN MORONEY says the taskforce will look at every
one of the more than 100 bushfires ravaging the state.

It will also try to identify any arsonists involved.

The taskforce will be headed by Commander JOHN LAYCOCK and work in conjunction with
state coroner JOHN ABERNATHY.

Acting Premier ANDREW REFSHAUGE says arson is an atrocious thing and the idea that
somebody should deliberately light a fire is almost beyond comprehension.

Dr REFSHAUGE says arsonists will face the strongest penalties available.

AAP RTV rk/arb/jas

KEYWORD: BUSHFIRES NSW ARSON (SYDNEY)

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