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Police Are Yet To Rule Out If Queensland House Fire Is Suspicious

Police are yet to rule out if the house fire on Russell Island which claimed the lives of six people is suspicious.

While there has been no indication if the fire is being treated as suspicious, police confirmed “some elements” of the blaze require “close scrutiny”.

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Wayne Godinet, and his five children aged three to 11, were all found dead in the home south-east of Brisbane on Saturday.

Samantha Stephenson, 28, who is believed to be the children’s’ mother and another 21-year-old woman were able to escape the fire.

Speaking to media, Queensland Police Regional Crime Co-ordinator Superintendent Angus Massingham said it wasn’t determined if the blaze was suspicious.

“The establishment of the investigation centre is because there are some elements of this incident that do require closer scrutiny,” he said.

“No determination has been made at this stage as to whether this fire is suspicious or not.

“It‘s important that I tell you that we are keeping an open mind with respect to this matter.

“And, as I say, no determination has been made, but there are some aspects of it that require further investigation.”

Superintendent Massingham also confirmed Mr Godinet was “known to police”. He said the next state of the investigation would be to identify the location of the fire and whether there were any suspicious elements.

“I can confirm that police have been to the residence in the past,” he said.

“The nature and frequency of our attendance there is subject to internal review and will be part of the investigation.

“As to whether the male was supposed to be at the address or not is still subject to investigation.”

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