A newly opened childcare centre has become the target of a firebombing attack on Sydney’s North Shore.
Emergency services were called to Play to Learn in Turramurra about 4.25am today, where flames had engulfed the childcare centre.
The fire was extinguished, revealing minor damage to the building.
Police say a group of masked men had smashed through the front door, poured petrol in the foyer and lit it on fire.
The staff at Play to Learn, which opened just a month ago, are in shock.
“No words, I’m just in shock. It just really hurts,” Play to Learn head of operations Jemma Quinlan told 9News.
“At the crux of it, we’re here to serve the community and today we can’t.”
Play to Learn was declared a crime scene and closed today, leaving parents unable to bring their children in.
“I’m feeling a little bit scared, what is happening here,” parent Princi Chauhel said.
Police spent the day combing through the childcare centre for evidence and found a melted and blackened jerry can.
They also found a headrest from a vehicle, which they are investigating to determine if it was used to smash through the front door.
Investigations remain ongoing, and police urge anyone with information to come forward.
“Who would do this to a centre that is serving the community? A centre that is here for children and families,” Quinlan said.
