DETECTIVES have released CCTV footage following a suspicious house fire at Islington earlier this year.
Emergency crews were called to a home on Norfolk Avenue at about 11.20am on March 25 following reports of a fire.
Firefighters extinguished the blaze, but parts of the house were significantly damaged.
Officers from Newcastle City Police District have been investigating the incident under Strike Force Rhodochrosite.
They released CCTV footage on Thursday, June 13, showing two men who they believe could help with their inquiries.
The first man is believed to be about 170cm to 180cm tall, of solid build and with dark hair. He is pictured in the footage wearing an orange hi-vis shirt, dark shorts, tan work boots and sunglasses.
The second is described as being about 180cm to 185cm tall, of muscular build and with black hair - and was wearing a yellow hi-vis shirt, dark shorts, dark shoes and sunglasses at the time he was caught on camera.
Newcastle City Police District commander Superintendent Kylie Endemi would not say exactly how and where in the property the fire started, but that those issues remained part of the ongoing investigation.
She told reporters on Thursday no-one was at the property when it caught fire.
"We obviously have worked closely with our forensic investigators and with Fire and Rescue NSW in relation to the cause of that fire," Superintendent Endemi said.
"We believe that the two male persons depicted in that [CCTV] footage can assist us further in relation to what exactly has transpired on that day.
"Thankfully no-one was inside the home and no-one was injured as a result. It could have been worse, however. It was a significant blaze."
Police want anyone who can identify either of the men depicted in the footage to contact Newcastle detectives or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 - or through the online reporting portal. Tips are confidential if they are made through Crime Stoppers.
