A public toilet fire at Bundilla Beach is under investigation by the NT Police as suspected arson, with police searching for five youths they say are responsible for $230,000 worth of damage to public property.

The fire was allegedly set on Thursday, October 1, with firefighters attending the scene to find a wheelie bin alight inside the public toilet cubicle. They eventually extinguished the blaze, but it reportedly caused extensive damage to the interior of the amenities block and surrounding structural fixtures.

Police said on Thursday that Darwin Council reviewed CCTV footage from the Bundilla Beach area where “five male youths” were seen near the dog park area setting fire to a wheelie bin.

Police said the youths were seen moving the bin into the toilet block around 12:50am, when they set it alight inside the toilet cubicle.

It is alleged the five toilet arsonists were then picked up at the scene by a white Toyota Kluger and drove away.

“The fire subsequently spread throughout the amenities block, causing significant property damage, initially estimated to be valued at about $230,000,” police said in a statement.

“Anyone with information or footage is urged to contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”