Police hunt ends in arrest of wanted man George Sneddon after arson attack at Blackwood

A man has been arrested and will face court on Thursday after police launched a hunt for a suspect in relation to two attacks on a suburban barber shop.

George Sneddon has been arrested for two attempted arson attacks on a business at Blackwood. Source: SAPOL

Wanted man George Sneddon has been arrested and will face court on Thursday after police launched a hunt for a suspect in relation to two arson attacks on a Blackwood barber shop – with three other suspects already arrested in relation to the incidents.
George Sneddon, 26, was wanted for questioning over the attacks on Hall of Fade Barbershop which was targeted twice in less than 48 hours this week.

He was arrested by police at Para Hills on Wednesday night and charged with arson, attempted arson, illegal interference and breach of bail.

On Wednesday, police issued a wanted alert for Sneddon and said it believed he was in possession of a firearm and urged the public not to approach him.

He was refused bail and will appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Fire damaged Hall of Fade Barbershop on Coromandel Parade, Blackwood. Picture: Taylor Mason

Emergency services were first called to the Coromandel Parade business about 9.10pm on Sunday, June 15, where a small fire had been lit outside the premises.

Police located partially ignited molotov cocktails on the footpath.

Less than 30 hours later – just before 1.30am on Tuesday, June 17 – a second fire broke out at the same business.

CFS crews managed to contain the blaze and quickly extinguished it, but neighbouring businesses were impacted by smoke.

Police arrested three people – a 19-year-old man from Dover Gardens, a 16-year-old of no fixed address and a 16-year-old boy from Elizabeth North – over the attacks on Wednesday.

They have been charged with attempted arson, arson, illegal use of a motor vehicle and theft.
Two of the charged have been granted bail and will face court at a later date, while the 16-year-old faced court on Wednesday.

7NEWS has dramatic vision of the moment an arsonist set himself on fire while torching a Blackwood barbershop. It is the second attack on the business in only two days. @msariovski#7NEWSpic.twitter.com/Ao7tar7WGs

— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) June 17, 2025

A crime scene was established at the site on Tuesday morning with police treating the fire as deliberate.

Forensic police and MFS forensics officers were seen examining a jerry can outside the shop while a scorched barber chair was visible through the shattered front window on Tuesday morning.

It comes after Hall of Fade Barbershop took to social media to call out vandalism earlier this week.

“We’re saddened to share that our business was recently vandalised. This had been a devastating experience. Not just because of the damage, but because we’ve always taken pride in being part of this community and serving you all with care and respect,” the business posted.

“We’re asking anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the area to please come forward. Even the smallest detail could help.

A scorched barber chair can be seen through the shattered windows at the fire damaged Hall of Fade barber shop. Picture: Taylor Mason

Police are investigating a suspicious fire at Hall of Fade Barbershop on Coromandel Parade. Picture: Taylor Mason

“If you’re a local business owner or resident, please stay vigilant and look out for each other.”

Meanwhile, Moula Mohammad, area manager of the neighbouring RSPCA Op Shop, said he was grateful for the “fantastic job” done by firefighters.

“I got a call at 1.30am from the smoke alarm company and when I arrived there were 3 to 4 trucks already here, smoke was everywhere but the fire was pretty contained,” Mr Mohammad said.

“I don’t know (the barber shop owners) personally but I’m sure they’re devastated. (It’s) concerning for anyone in the area.”

A local resident was shocked to see the burnt store after a classic car was destroyed in a shed fire at Blackwood around six months ago.

“You’d never think this would happen around here … and so soon after that other one with the shed,” they said.

Another said “it’s not fair … really it’s just not fair”.

CFS crews managed to contain the fire to just the barber shop and extinguished the blaze but neighbouring premises were affected by smoke.

The SA Pathology next door has confirmed it will be closed “until further notice” due to smoke damage.

Many people were turned away and redirected to the next closest store in Flagstaff Hill.

Clothing store Kohl and Soda also closed its doors as the stock smells of smoke.

No injuries were reported.

Originally published as Police hunt ends in arrest of wanted man George Sneddon after arson attack at Blackwood