A fire that destroyed a newly built $1.1 million home in Aylmer may have been set by people from the Toronto Area.
Aylmer police released the surprising new detail about last month's arson on Thursday.
Fire broke out at the brick house on Aspen Parkway just after 2:30 a.m. on March 24. Construction of the home had just recently been completed, but no one had moved in yet, police said. Suspects took off from the area in a vehicle heading east on Dingle Street. The make and model of the vehicle is not known.
When officers arrived on scene, they found smoldering, discarded clothing near the burning home. The clothing along with other evidence was also seized at the time.
Further investigation by police, along with members of the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office and the Ontario Provincial Police forensic identification unit, found the fire was started with a "large amount of gasoline" that exploded. There is also evidence at least one person behind the fire suffered serious burns that would have required medical treatment," police said.
Investigators now believe the suspects "reside and have ties" to the Greater Toronto Area.
Anyone with information about the arson is asked to call investigators at 519-765-3144 or Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
