Police ramp up search for James McArdle after repeated arson incidents

Police are asking for help from the public to locate a Melbourne man believed to be linked t0 16 recent fires.

Police have ramped up their search for a man they say may be linked to 16 arson attacks in less than a month across Melbourne’s inner-city suburbs.

On Thursday, Victoria Police issued a warrant for the arrest of James McArdle, 29, after a spate of arson attacks in St Kilda, West Melbourne and the CBD, targeting cars, businesses and homes.

Police said Mr McArdle is about 180 cm tall, has brown hair, a medium build and an Irish accent, as well as a tattoo on his left arm saying “only the strong survive.”

They said he frequents St Kilda and the CBD.

Police would like to speak to Jordan McArdle, pictured, regarding a series of arson incidents in Melbourne’s inner-suburbs over the past month. Picture: Victoria Police

Police said the incidents began on November 27, when multiple aerosols were set alight in the back of a parked car on Carlisle St, Balaclava, shortly before 6am.

On December 13 police said someone caused significant damage to a property on Havelock St, St Kilda, when a suitcase containing spirits and alcohol was left outside the front door shortly after midnight.

On Thursday, police pointed to four arson attacks that occurred across St Kilda, Prahan and the CBD.

They said a man strapped batteries to the back of a car on Little Lonsdale St in the CBD, poured spirits over it and set it alight at about 5.10pm.

About four hours earlier police said a suitcase containing flammable aerosol cans and batteries was placed against the front door of an apartment on Hotham St, St Kilda East, and set alight, police said.

Police said they were concerned over the “escalating” nature of the incidents.

Anyone with information regarding the incidents or Mr McArdle’s whereabouts or the fires is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Originally published as Police ramp up search for James McArdle after repeated arson incidents