MOONEE VALLEY: Arson attacks at Essendon
Detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad will lead the investigation into two arson attacks at a closed Essendon North business within 25 hours.
Police believe the incidents are both linked and targeted attacks.
The premises has been targeted three times previously, including last July.
The businesses are linked to an individual who has previously been targeted a number of times and at a number of different addresses since August 2023.
The man is currently on remand, having been charged by the Financial Crime Squad in December of last year.
Emergency services were initially called to the blaze on Keilor Rd shortly after 3am on Thursday (Jan. 29).
They were called a second time shortly after 2am Friday (Jan. 30) to reports a white Nissan Navara ute crashed into the front plywood door of a Keilor Rd former business.
In both cases, offenders rammed the salon door before pouring an accelerant around the property and settling it alight.
The sprinkler system prevented the blaze from spreading further however the store sustained damage in both incidents.
The premises is underneath to an apartment building, and approximately 100 residents had to be evacuated both nights.
The business closed last September and has not traded since then. As a result of the fires, all remaining equipment is being removed and the premises were to be vacated late last week.
Police will increase patrols in the area and a mobile CCTV vehicle were to be placed in the area.
Arson and Explosives Squad Detective Inspector Chris Murray said: “These fires are set with complete disregard for the safety of anyone else in the area and it is only sheer luck they haven’t resulted in the death or serious injury of someone simply sleeping in their home.
“This business has been closed for almost five months and has not traded in that time – you are targeting the wrong people and putting at risk innocent people going about their daily lives.
“I’d ask people to very carefully consider whether this dispute is actually worth it – you now have the full focus of police, and I can assure those involved we will be doing everything we can to ensure they are held to account for their reckless criminality.”
Pictured: A vehicle was rammed into a plywood door at the Essendon premises. Photo: ABC News