SA Police investigating possible links between gym fire and food van blaze
Crime Gangs Task Force detectives are investigating if there are any links between a gymnasium fire and a food van blaze in Adelaide’s west. The latter was connected to a murder inquiry.
Police are investigating if there are any links between an arson attack that destroyed a gymnasium at Marleston overnight and a food van blaze connected to a murder inquiry at Mile End yesterday.
Fortus Team Gym, on Marker Ave, went up in flames about 1.20am this morning and despite efforts by MFS crews, the business could not be saved.
A neighbouring dance studio was also damaged in the incident.
Fire Cause investigators attended the scene and deemed the blaze suspicious.
It came less than 24 hours after a kebab van at a Mile End house was destroyed by fire in suspicious circumstances.
The van was parked in the front yard of a property that was raided by police last week in relation to a murder inquiry when it was set alight about 3.30am on Thursday.
Crime Gangs Task Force detectives are investigating both the gymnasium and food van fires.
“It is not believed at this time that the Hells Angels Outlaw Motor Cycle Gang is associated with the gym,” a police spokesman said.
“Both investigations are in their early stages and investigators are currently attempting to ascertain any possible links between the two incidents.”
Fortus Team Gym head boxing coach Owen Hems attended the gym this morning to see the damage first-hand.
“(It’s) devastating not for me but for people who train here, all the people I coach and all the kids,” he told The Advertiser.
“We haven’t had any problems – We’re just a boxing gym.
“It’s heartbreaking that someone targeted us.”
Mr Hems said the gym, which opened about three years ago and has about 50 members, would rebuild.
“The people make the gym, not the building, so we’ll come back,” he said.
Police ask anyone with information about the fire to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report it online at online.