Saigon Hustle, Smithfield: Restaurant targeted in fire ‘attack’, police investigate

A southwest Sydney restaurant has targeted in a late-night fire attack, with a group of men wearing motorcycle helmets seen using an accelerant to ignite the blaze.

A suspicious fire has erupted in southwest Sydney overnight. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Christian Gilles

A southwest Sydney restaurant has targeted in a late-night fire attack, with a group of men wearing motorcycle helmets seen using an accelerant to ignite the blaze.

Emergency services were called to d to Horsley Dr, Smithfield about 3.20am Monday following reports of a fire which damaged two shopfronts, including that of Vietnamese bar and restaurant Saigon Hustle.

Two Fire and Rescue NSW attended the incident and extinguished the blaze. No one was injured.

Fairfield Police Area Command Detective superintendent Michael McLean said a white SUV, which appeared to have four people inside, pulled up near the business.

Two to three men exited the car wearing motorbike helmets and sprayed an unknown accelerant and attempted to light a fire before leaving the scene.

Cleaners attending to the damages at Saigon Hustle. Picture: Kirsten Jelinek

Damages to the exterior of Saigon Hustle in Smithfield. Picture: Kirsten Jelinek

Supt. McLean said the incident was targeted.

“Given the nature of the incident, yes it’s clear it’s a targeted attack,” he said. “We are unable to confirm a motive but we are talking with the restaurant owner.

“They are co-operating and there nothing to suggest any involvement,” Mr McLean said.

The business was not extensively damage, with a broken window and burn marks to the exterior panelling visible on Tuesday afternoon.

Frangos general manager Jorge Silva, which neighbours Saigon Hustle, said he delayed opening his business as police finished examining the scene.

“I heard firebombs were thrown … I could see the burn marks on the windows and the roof,” he said.

Cleaners tending to the damages at Saigon Hustle. Picture: Kirsten Jelinek

Smashed glass and burns to the exterior of Saigon Hustle restaurant. Picture: Kirsten Jelinek

“I couldn’t put my chairs and tables out. we had to wait for the investigators to come and finish.”

Mr Silva said he was “lucky” his business wasn’t damaged.

“It’s not usually a violent area and I don’t usually see much happening it’s really quiet so it’s a bit surprising,” he said

A woman cleaning the fire damage of Saigon Hustle told this publication the incident was “very terrible”.

“We don’t know who did it and we hope police can figure it out,” she said. “They (the accused) three petrol and the fire went up onto the roof.

“To fix it all I think it will cost a lot because it’s a lot of damage.”

The cleaner said the business expected to reopen on Wednesday.