The accused arsonist, a 29-year-old man from Daveron Park, appeared in court this afternoon and will remain behind bars until June.

It’s alleged the incident unfolded when the victims, seeking refuge outside the Playford Civic Centre in Elizabeth, had their possessions set ablaze.

“I’ve never seen anything like it. We were just sitting there,” Deb McLaughlin said.

“(A man) walked past, and doused all our trollies … started the fire and he just walked off laughing at us,” she alleged.

The fire consumed their belongings. 

Another of the victims, Steve Main, bravely threw himself in front of the group to protect his friends, and suffered burns to his arms. 

“We didn’t even see him come up and throw petrol until he lit it,” he alleged.

Main said he was fearful and unsure where he’dbe sleeping tonight.

Local residents condemned the alleged arson attack, calling it “cowardly” and expressing hope the community comes together to support the victims.