Store Guard Dog Dies In Suspicious Fire

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http://www.news.com.au/national/police-investigate-suspicious-blaze-at-hornsby-motorcycle-repair-shop/story-e6frfkp9-1226811112616

Police investigate suspicious blaze at Hornsby motorcycle repair shop

A GUARD dog has died after a fire at a motorcycle repair business in Hornsby early this morning that police are treating as suspicious.

Firefighters discovered the dog, a white husky, unconscious inside the Love Motorcycles business, in James St.

They carried the animal out and treated it for smoke inhalation with the help of NSW Ambulance officers.

"The boys said the dog wasn't in real good shape when they first carried it out," Berowra Fire and Rescue firefighter Craig Matuschka said.

"It had the oxygen therapy mask on for 20 minutes or more."

The dog was taken to a vet in the early hours of the morning but later died.

Fortunately, there was nobody else inside the building, which was well alight when firefighters arrived about 1.30am.

Fire units from Hornsby, Berowra, Beecroft, Gordon and Castle Hill fought the blaze and were able to contain it without it spreading to adjoining buildings.

"There was a fair bit of damage," Mr Matuschka said.

"It was contained within that building which was good. The guys gained access through the front door of that shop and via the workshop next door."

The fire in the motorcycle shop on James Lane, Hornsby is now being investigated. Picture: Bill Hearne Source: News Limited

A guard dog was revived by ambulance officers but died later. Pics Bill Hearne Source: News Limited

Colin Hughes, who owns an adjoining business, TJM Bars-N-Racks, was notified of the fire about 3am.

He said his business had suffered minor damage to the roof and one of the walls but he was grateful his showroom had not been affected.

"It was pretty much out by the time I got here," he said.

Mr Hughes said the owner of Love Motorcycles was currently overseas but the business had suffered considerable losses.

"It (the shop) was full of motorcycles," he said.

Detectives from Ku-ring-gai Local Area Command are investigating the fire, which is believed to be suspicious.

They are appealing for anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the street this morning or has information that could assist with inquiries to contact police.

Call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

[BlackJaq]