Australian dad allegedly killed three children by setting house on fire and blocking exits

In a heart-wrenching incident, an Australian man has been charged with burning three of his children and the rest of the family in a house fire. The incident took place in Western Sydney on Sunday (Jul 7) morning.

A five-month-old girl, a two-year-old boy and a six-year-old boy died in the blaze. Three boys - aged four, seven and 11 - and a nine-year-old girl survived, along with their mother.

The 28-year-old man (whose name is not revealed) is being charged with three counts of murder, five counts of attempted murder and one charge of destroying property. He is currently in hospital under police surveillance.

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The father, who police allege started the inferno and then deliberately blocked rescue attempts, faced court on Thursday, appearing remotely in a bedside hearing.

The alleged attack took place around 01:00 local time (15:00 GMT) on Sunday morning in Lalor Park, according to witnesses, police, and emergency services.

The neighbours and first responders helped in the rescue of four surviving children and their mother.

The two- and six-year-old boys made it out of the house in a critical state but died in hospital a short time later. The five-month-old baby girl was found deceased.

The mother and her four surviving children are all in stable condition, according to police.

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Speaking after the accused faced court on Thursday morning, New South Wales Det Supt Danny Doherty said police would allege the man was the sole perpetrator.

He said police would allege the couple had a “domestic dispute” which then led to the alleged acts.

“What we will allege is that he prevented policemen and the neighbour getting into the premises, was holding on to the children, at least one child being the 11-year-old, had to be wrestled from that child, had to be wrestled away from the fire,” Doherty said.

The incident has horrified the country and comes at a time when Australia's government has declared domestic and family violence a "national crisis".

(With inputs from agencies)