Bodybuilder Mike Hulusi’s Jeep firebombed in explosive Prahran arson attack

A prominent Melbourne bodybuilder’s vehicle was targeted in an arson attack on Monday night, with the alleged arsonist fleeing the scene engulfed in flames.

Mike Hulusi’s Jeep was set on fire before it exploded. Picture: Supplied

The luxury car owned by a prominent Melbourne bodybuilder was set on fire before it exploded in a “fireball” outside his home.

Mike Hulusi, a well-known bodybuilder and gym owner, had his Jeep razed by fire in a targeted firebombing attack in Prahran on Monday night.

Police say at least one arsonist pulled up to Mr Hulusi’s townhouse in a red sedan before they allegedly torched his prized Jeep about 10.30pm.

Two cars were destroyed by fire in Prahran on Monday night. Picture: Supplied

Witnesses say the alleged arsonist also set himself alight as the Jeep, parked on the street, went up in flames.

A BMW parked nearby also became collateral damage after it too was destroyed in the public inferno.

Witness Kate Longmire said she heard commotion outside her window before watching a man set the Jeep alight.

Mike Hulusi had his Jeep razed by fire in a targeted firebombing attack in Prahran on Monday night. Picture: Supplied

Ms Longmire said the accused arsonist then tossed an object – possibly a lighter or jerry can – on the ground nearby before the flames spread to the BMW.

The young mother said she then saw the man on fire running from the scene.

“It kind of went up in a fireball and I saw him (the arsonist) running down the street,” she said at the scene on Tuesday.

“He chucked something and set another car on fire which later exploded.

“There was just a lot of fire. I just remember seeing fire running down the street.

“It was just really scary. I was just absolutely terrified.”

Prominent Melbourne bodybuilder Mike Hulusi. Picture: Instagram

Several neighbours told the Herald Sun that the Jeep is owned by Mr Hulusi, a successful Melbourne bodybuilder and gym owner.

The fitness guru, who boasts more than 24,000 followers on Instagram, opened a new gym at Cremorne just last month.

He is an extremely well-known and respected figure who has worked in the fitness industry for many years.

It is not clear why Mr Hulusi’s vehicle was targeted on Monday night and police are continuing their investigations.

Mr Hulusi declined to comment when contacted by the Herald Sun on Tuesday morning.

Witnesses described the car as exploding in a “fireball”. Picture: Supplied

Police say the offenders pulled up in another vehicle before targeting his luxury car.

No one was inside the parked vehicles at the time.

Detectives were, as of Tuesday afternoon, yet to locate the alleged offenders.

“Investigators have been told unknown offenders arrived in a red sedan before setting fire to one parked vehicle,” police said in a statement.

“The accelerant used caused the fire to spread to a second parked vehicle.

“Fire authorities extinguished the blaze which is being treated as suspicious.

“The investigation is ongoing.”

The remnants of two cars fire bombed on Alfred street Prahran. Picture: Jason Edwards

The Herald Sun last month revealed that the damage bill from a wave of arson attacks across Melbourne had stretched well into the hundreds of millions of dollars.

Rivals have, over the past three years, turned to arson as a way to settle business disputes among a range of sectors.

Burn marks and some melted car parts were left in the gutter. Picture: Jason Edwards

A number of gyms have also been hit by arson crews amid a surge in conflict and tension between owners and users.

Restaurants, cosmetic clinics, factories, vehicle workshops, dessert bars, barber shops, tobacconists, entertainment venues and countless vehicles have all been torched in recent months.

Originally published as Bodybuilder Mike Hulusi’s Jeep firebombed in explosive Prahran arson attack