DeNiro’s restaurant at Hope Island Rd business target of arson attack

Police are investigating the motive for an attempted arson attack on a Gold Coast restaurant, with new details released about how the offender made his escape.

DeNiro's Restaurant at Hope Island.

Police are investigating whether business issues had anything to do with an attempted arson attack at a Gold Coast restaurant.

A man entered DeNiro’s restaurant shortly before 11pm on Friday and poured an accelerant on the floor and attempted to set it alight.

Police revealed on Monday that the offender fled on a Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Staff at the restaurant managed to put out the fire quickly, with little damage caused.

“Just before 11pm at a restaurant on Hope Island Rd a male has entered the restaurant, thrown an accelerant on the floor and then lit the restaurant. They then left. We think they left on a Harley Davidson motorcycle,” Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon said.

“Thankfully there was no one in the restaurant and the fire was put out by staff prior to the fire service arriving and us arriving.

“We attended with forensics. We established a crime scene. And that investigation is still continuing.

“We’re asking people who might have been on Hope Island Rd around 11pm on Friday night, we believe the person left on a Harley Davidson, if anyone’s got any information please contact us.”

Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon.

Police have secured CCTV footage of the incident but have yet to identify a suspect in the case.

A Bulletin report last month revealed that DeNiro’s, which is solely directed by former bankrupt John Cannuli, 49, was subject to a wind-up order in the Brisbane Supreme Court on April 2 over an unpaid debt.

There is no suggestion of wrongdoing by Mr Cannuli in relation to the fire.

Chief Supt Hanlon said the police investigation would consider all avenues.

“When we investigate matters we look at all of the circumstances and issues that may impact on our investigation,” he said.

ATTACK NEAR LNP LEADER’S OFFICE

Police are investigating an attempted arson attack at a Gold Coast restaurant recently subject to a wind-up order over a debt.

A man burst into DeNiro’s Cucina & Lounge Bar at Hope Island Rd, which is located opposite LNP leader David Crisafulli’s electorate office in the Hope Island Central shopping centre, shortly before 11pm on Friday.

The man poured an accelerant, believed to have been petrol, and attempted to set fire to the premises before fleeing on a motorbike.

Police and fire crews were quickly on scene, however the fire was out before they arrived and no serious damage was done to the business.

A crime scene was established, with Criminal Investigation Branch detectives based at Coomera leading the hunt for the culprit.

DeNiro's Restaurant in the Hope Island Central shopping centre.

A Queensland Police spokesperson said no one was injured during the incident.

“Initial investigations indicate that just before 11pm, a man has entered the business on Hope Island Road and used an accelerant, in an attempt to set the premises on fire, before leaving the scene on a motorbike,” the spokesperson said.

“The fire was quickly extinguished, and no one was injured during the incident.

“A crime scene has been established and police are treating the fire as suspicious.

“Anyone with information or vision that could assist with ongoing inquiries, is urged to contact police.”

DeNiro’s owner John Cannuli.

A Bulletin report last month revealed that DeNiro’s, which is solely directed by former bankrupt John Cannuli, 49, was subject to a wind-up order in the Brisbane Supreme Court on April 2.

The order came after the former drag car champion’s business, which underwent renovations earlier this year before a grand reopening on February 23, had allegedly failed to pay a carpet company.

Despite the order, locals reported the restaurant has remained open for business, with one reporting it had been “busier than ever”.

Mr Cannuli is not accused of any wrongdoing in relation to the fire.

David Crisafulli's electorate office at the Hope Island Central shopping centre.

Friday night’s attempted arson incident is not the first to strike the Hope Island Central shopping centre, which also plays host to a gym and a number of other restaurants.

In April last year a Porsche Cayenne S was set on fire at the centre. A man was arrested by police and charged over that incident.

Locals also said they had recently witnessed a fist-fight between two men in the complex car park.

It is not suggested the two incidents had any connection with DeNiro’s Cucina & Lounge Bar.

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