Suspicious fire guts popular restaurant on Henley Beach Rd

A beloved restaurant and cafe has been destroyed in a suspicious fire, with police investigating at the scene – and CCTV shows the moment it was set alight.

The owners of a popular Torrensville restaurant that was destroyed in a suspicious fire have been described as “beautiful, family-orientated” people.

Fire crews rushed to the Saray Kebab House Restaurant and Cafe about 3.15am on Friday, to find flames had engulfed the building.

More than 30 firefighters and 12 appliances extinguished the fire and managed to protect adjoining businesses. There were no reported injuries, but the building was gutted and the restaurant destroyed.

Detectives were on the scene on Friday, talking to the owners and seen leaving with items wrapped in evidence bags.

CCTV obtained by 7NEWS shows the moment a figure clad in black kicks open the door and sets the restaurant alight.

7NEWS has CCTV of an arson attack on a popular Henley Beach Road restaurant. Two men can be seen kicking in a door, dousing the business in petrol and setting it alight. https://t.co/JYtlBDWnbs#7NEWSpic.twitter.com/UyDZU07xXS

— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) August 30, 2024

Saray Kebab House Restaurant and Cafe was victim to an arson attack overnight Picture: Charlie Dadds

Local produce supplier Saki Mavros was dropping supplies off on his regular run on Friday morning when he discovered the wreckage, and said any offenders should “have a really good look at themselves”.

Mr Mavros, 61, was in disbelief by the actions of the “horrible lowlifes”, but was grateful no one was injured during the attack.

“It’s just tragic for these horrible people to come along and do what they did,” Mr Mavros said.

“They (the alleged arsonists) should be ashamed at what they’ve done. No one deserves this — absolutely no one — and it’s really sad that it’s come to this.

“They (the owners) are beautiful people; down to earth, family orientated. They are really nice.”

Saray Kebab House Restaurant and Cafe was victim to an arson attack overnight Picture: Charlie Dadds

The popular Saray Kebab House Restaurant and Cafe on Henley Beach Rd was gutted in a suspicious fire about 3.15am on Friday. Picture: Charlie Dadds

Damage inside the popular Saray Kebab House Restaurant and Cafe. Picture: Charlie Dadds

The popular Saray Kebab House Restaurant and Cafe on Henley Beach Rd was gutted in a suspicious fire. Picture: Charlie Dadds

Henley Beach Rd was closed while crews battled the fire but has since reopened.

Fire investigators attended the scene this morning and the cause is being treated as suspicious.

Police are asking anyone who saw any activity in or around the restaurant last night, or who has dashcam or CCTV footage that may assist the investigation to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au.

Originally published as Suspicious fire guts popular restaurant on Henley Beach Rd