Barone restaurant, Strathfield: Two men charged after alleged arson attack

Two men have been charged after an alleged arson attack on a restaurant owner’s business in Sydney’s inner west.

CCTV vision of an alleged December arson attack on a Strathfield business. Picture: NSW Police

Two men have been charged over an alleged arson attack at a restaurant in Sydney’s inner west.

Emergency services were called to the Barone restaurant on The Boulevard in Strathfield following reports of a fire about 3am on January 4.

Fire and Rescue NSW attended and extinguished the blaze, which caused significant damage to the business.

An allegedly stolen black BMW was found alight on Portland Ave in Enfield a short time later.

The fire took place the week after police were called to an underground carpark on Northcote Street in Mortlake following reports of an assault, about 9.45pm on December 29.

Owner of Italian restaurant Barone, Francesco, was allegedly attacked by three men in December last year.

Officers found 43-year-old Barone restaurant owner, Francesco (who did not wish to share his last name) suffering serious injuries after allegedly being repeatedly hit with a baseball bat by three unknown men who then fled the scene.

Francesco was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics, before being taken to hospital in a serious condition.

Detectives believed the alleged assault of the man and suspicious fire were linked and following inquiries a man at a correctional centre on the Mid North Coast was arrested about 10am on Thursday.

The 40-year-old was charged with two counts of destroying property in company use fire, driving a car during a disqualification period, stealing a car and receiving stolen car parts. He was refused bail to appear in Kempsey Local Court on Friday.

Detectives arrested another man at a correctional centre in Silverwater on June 1.

CCTV vision of an alleged December arson attack on a Strathfield business. Picture: NSW Police

The 23-year-old was charged with two counts of destroying property in company using fire and stealing a car.

He was refused bail to appear in Burwood Local Court on June 7.

Police will allege in court the two men were involved in the alleged arson attack in Strathfield. No charges have been laid over the alleged assault.

In an appeal for information, Detective Superintendent Gordon Arbinja alleged it was a targeted attack due to a prior business dispute.

“The assault was quite significant, the man received lacerations to his face, severe injuries to his face and body and a fractured arm,” he said earlier this week to media.

Inquiries under Strike Force Crispe continue.

Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.