Police charge Mawson Lakes man over Hilton Vet Clinic blaze and attempted arson at O’Halloran Hill

A Mawson Lakes man has been charged over two arson incidents, including a fire that destroyed a vet clinic in Hilton.

A Findon man has been charged over two alleged fire attacks on vet clinics in Adelaide’s western and southern suburbs.

The 33-year-old man was charged following an investigation into a suspicious fire at Pets Health Hilton Vet Clinic and an alleged attempted arson attack at a veterinary hospital at O’Halloran Hill.

Detectives had searched a property at Mawson Lakes and a pizza bar at Kidman Park before the man was arrested.

He has been charged with unlawful threats and two counts of arson. He appeared in Adelaide Magistrates Court on Friday after being refused bail.

Police said the incidents were not believed to be random but are continuing to investigate.

Pets Health Hilton Vet Centre was destroyed by fire on Thursday. Picture: RoyVphotography

Inside the Pets Health Hilton Vet Centre after it was destroyed by fire. Picture: RoyVphotography

The Advertiser understands that the Pets Health Hilton Vet Clinic and the veterinary hospital at O’Halloran Hill have the same owner.

Police said a molotov cocktail was located near the O’Halloran Hill building at about 7.30am on Thursday.

Earlier that morning, emergency services were called to Pets Health Hilton Vet Clinic on Sir Donald Bradman Dr, Hilton, after reports of a fire.

Vet nurses Jordi Shearer and Dora Williams inside the burned out Pets Health Hilton Vet Centre at Hilton. Picture: RoyVphotography

Hilton staff were devastated and clients were left looking for somewhere else to take their pets. Picture: 7NEWS

Two men were seen approaching the building and smashing the front window, just before the fire started and were seen running from the area, heading north on Clarence St

Six appliances and 22 firefighters battled the blaze which tore through the clinic and caused $150,000 worth of damage.

No animals were there overnight, but tearful clinic owner Julie Munchenberg told FIVEaa her business had been “destroyed”.

Jordi Shearer, 28, a vet nurse at the clinic, said animals are sometimes kept overnight and it was “a stroke of luck” that the clinic was unoccupied.

Ms Shearer had spent Thursday morning clearing through debris with Ms Munchenberg and another colleague.

She called the alleged arsonists “absolutely disgusting” and labelled their crime “a senseless act of violence”.

“I got the phone call (on Thursday) morning and it’s been tears all around,” Ms Shearer said.

“I never thought something like this would happen here.

“I have no idea why they did it, especially a vet clinic.

“We’re here to serve the community, and it’s such a tough time for vets and small businesses for this to happen.”

She said it was still too early to tell when the clinic would re-open.

Police are urging anyone with information or dashcam footage that could help the investigation to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Police charge Mawson Lakes man over Hilton Vet Clinic blaze and attempted arson at O’Halloran Hill