Happy Valley Clinic destroyed in suspected arson attack on Melt Hair Studio at Woodcroft
The owner of a clinic destroyed in a suspected arson attack on a neighbouring business says doctors will do what they can to keep serving their patients despite losing almost everything.
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An arson attack targeting a hairdressing salon has gutted the premises and destroyed a neighbouring health clinic in a suspect arson attack at Woodcroft.
Crews from both the Country Fire Service and Metropolitan Fire Service were called to a group of shops on Sir James Hardy Way at Woodcroft around 7am on Saturday after reports of a fire. The blaze had taken hold by the time crews arrived.
Almost 50 firefighters took about half an hour to control the blaze, which destroyed the roof of the shop complex.
An MFS spokeswoman said the fire broke out at Melt Hair Studio, before spreading to Happy Valley Clinic, Woodcroft Dental, as it spread along the shelter of the adjoining businesses.
This is all that remains of Melt Hair Studio - which only opened their doors to customers this year - after they were targeted in a Woodcroft arson attack @theTiser pic.twitter.com/wQ0qgX9LcV
— Dixie Sulda (@dixie_sulda) August 22, 2020
Happy Valley Clinic owner Michele Brooke-Davey said they lost almost everything when the blaze destroyed two practice rooms.
“The rest of the clinic is mainly smoke and water damage,” Dr Brooke-Davey said.
“We’re a thriving practice, and we’re absolutely devastated.”
She said they were able to save patient files and the four doctors would do their best to continue working remotely through Telehealth services.
“It’s about a community service, we’ll do the best we can to provide a service to patients as best as we can.”
Dr Brooke-Davey said Melt Hair Studio only opened their doors to customers in March, and were doing their best to build a client base amid the pandemic.
Melt Hair Studio has been contacted for comment.
Fire-cause investigators attended the scene to investigate and deemed the fire suspicious.
The blaze was estimated to have caused $250,000 worth of damage.
Devastating scenes at Woodcroft - a hairdresser targeted in an arson attack, with the flames spreading to a neighbouring doctor's clinic & dentist @9NewsAdel pic.twitter.com/jlKvF5Txzg
— Tom Angley (@TomAngley9) August 22, 2020
Police are investigating possible links to another arson attack in Happy Valley on Tuesday, when Zak’s Pizza and Grill was gutted in a suspicious blaze.
It was the third suspected arson attack on ownerZak Kartabani’s southern suburbs restaurants in three years.
Police urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.