MELBOURNE, VIC. — Detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad are appealing for public assistance following a series of suspicious fires at hospitality venues across metropolitan Melbourne over the last week.
Police are investigating any potential links between the incidents and what the potential motivation might be.
The arsons are being investigated by Victoria Police regional and specialist units, including the Arson and Explosives Squad as the state’s specialist fire investigators, according to Detective Inspector Chris Murray.
“We have issued repeated warnings about the dangers of fire and the potential for those lighting them to suffer life-changing or fatal injuries.
“Despite that, we have seen arsonists die or suffer serious and life-changing injuries as a consequence of being paid very little money compared to the value of a life,” Detective Inspector Chris Murray said.
The incidents include:
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- An attempted arson at a licensed premises on Londsdale Street around 5.45am on Tuesday, April 14;
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- A fire at a licensed premises on York Street in South Melbourne around 3am on Wednesday, April 15. Detectives from Stonnington CIU arrested a 25-year-old Coburg man in relation to this incident this morning. Police will now interview him;
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- A fire at licensed premises on Commercial Road in South Yarra around 4.20am on Thursday, April 16;
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- An attempted arson at a licensed premises on Cecil Street in South Melbourne around 4.20am on Thursday, April 16;
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- A drive-by shooting at a licensed premises on Lonsdale Street about 4.10am this morning. A shot was fired from a dark-coloured vehicle towards the premises. Nobody was physically injured during the incident; and
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- An arson at licensed premises on Southbank Boulevard around 4.20am this morning. Two boys, aged 16 and 17, were later arrested by the Critical Incident Response Team in Balwyn around 5am. Investigators from Melbourne CIU are currently interviewing them.
Detectives are urging anyone with any information on who is responsible, the motivation behind the attacks or those carrying out the arsons to come forward and speak to police.
Police are also urging anyone out in the Melbourne CBD and surrounding inner suburbs, including the Chapel Street precinct in Stonnington and Port Phillip local government area, to remain alert this weekend, and to call Triple-0 immediately if you see anything suspicious.
“I would implore anyone who knows anything about these incidents to visit us and tell us what you know before we visit them. It can be done anonymously if you wish via Crime Stoppers,” Detective Inspector Chris Murray said.
Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
