Sydney news: Glenmore Park home destroyed by fire after lightning strike, trains partially back

Here's what you need to know this morning.

Limited train services resume

Sydney's trains are running again this morning but with limited services.

Trains will run every 15-30 minutes throughout the day and commuters are being warned to plan their journey and to take alternative transport where possible.

Around 150 replacement buses will operate along major rail corridors. 

Alex Claassens from the Rail, Tram and Bus Union welcomed the resumption, and disputed the NSW government's claim that yesterday's shutdown had been necessary for safety reasons.

"We dispute that. There was no need for them to cancel services," he said.

Transport Minister David Elliott called on the unions to "put their political agenda aside so Sydneysiders don't face more disruptions".

Lighting strike sparks house fire

A home in Sydney's west has been severely damaged after it was believed to have been struck by lightning yesterday.

Firefighters battled the blaze on Kobina Avenue just after 5.30pm but were unable to save the property.

The fire took hold in the roof and the home was gutted by flames.

Fire crews managed to contain the inferno and prevent it from spreading to neighbouring homes.

Acting Superintendent Mathew Sigmund from Fire and Rescue NSW said this was a reminder that calling triple-0 for a fire emergency could be the difference between life and death, or a building or other property being saved or destroyed. 

Melissa Caddick's cars sold

Two luxury vehicles belonging to missing fraudster Melissa Caddick have been sold by liquidators, recovering some of the money she allegedly stole.

Ms Caddick vanished from her Dover Heights home in November 2020 while under investigation from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.

She has never been seen since, but is believed dead after a foot belonging to her washed up on a south coast beach in February 2021.

Last night, two cars owned by her company Maliver, being a 2016 Audi R8 V10 and 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA45, were sold at auction for $295,000 and $66,250.

Bruce Gleeson, principal of receivers Jones Partners, said there had been "significant interest" in the vehicles and the company was pleased with the prices achieved.

Mr Gleeson said a meeting would be held with creditors on March 15 to outline the status of the liquidation process.

"Regarding the sale of the Caddick Receivership Property, as recently foreshadowed, we have filed an application and other documents with the Federal Court of Australia whereby the matter is listed for directions on 24 February 2022 to advance our position regarding the sale of assets such as the share portfolios and real estate," he said.

Liberal internal stoush heads to court

The NSW Liberal Party has applied for an injunction to stop the federal Liberal Party taking control of the preselection of candidates for the looming federal election.

Matthew Camenzuli, a member of the NSW Liberals state executive, has lodged a claim against Immigration Minister Alex Hawke in the NSW Supreme Court.

Mr Hawke is accused of deliberately "stalling" the preselection process to force federal intervention, giving Prime Minister Scott Morrison a greater say in who is selected to run as a candidate.

Mr Morrison has expressed frustration that Environment Minister Sussan Ley, North Sydney MP Trent Zimmerman and Mr Hawke are yet to be endorsed to run in the upcoming election. 

Call for police to release 'safe driving' policy

The Redfern Legal Centre has called on the NSW Police Force to release its policy on "safe driving" following the death of 16-year-old Jai Wright after a collision with an unmarked police car.

Solicitor Samantha Lee said the policy issued to police patrols remained "shrouded in secrecy", despite previous deaths during police pursuits in NSW.

A police investigation is underway in the circumstances surrounding the teenager's death at Alexandria on Sunday morning.

The boy's father, Lachlan Wright, has called for the investigation to be conducted by an independent body.  

Ms Lee said that, while the details of what happened were still to be determined, "accidents like this have heartbreaking consequences".

"It's time for NSW Police to let the public know what policies and procedures are in place to prevent such horrific incidents," she said. 

Tuesday's weather:

Rain.  Possible storm.