Police close in on alleged arsonists who firebombed two blind factories in Melbourne’s east

Two men have been charged over $25m arson attacks on blind factories in Bayswater and Kilsyth after the pair was allegedly caught on CCTV dousing the sites in fuel.

Two men have been charged over $25m arson attacks on blind factories in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

A 39-year-old Dandenong man and a Dandenong North man, 38, were arrested a week after a public appeal by police for information on the fires at Bayswater and Kilsyth.

The Herald Sun last week revealed CCTV captured the moment a group of arsonists allegedly doused the two factories – which occurred a week apart – in fuel before firebombing the businesses.

The Dandenong man was detained after police carried out a search warrant at Nar Nar Goon.

He was charged with three counts of criminal damage by fire and three counts of theft of a motor vehicle and will appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

The Dandenong North man was charged with criminal damage by fire and he was bailed to face court on July 22.

Illicit drugs were seized as part of a warrant at Dandenong North.

Men douse a Kilsyth business in fuel before setting it alight. Picture: Supplied

Flames take over the factory seconds after the group flees. Picture: Supplied

Another search at Narre Warren North uncovered weapons, stolen goods and a stolen truck, resulting in the arrest of two other people.

The first blaze erupted at a business on Melrich Rd in Bayswater at 4am on December 23, while the second came on January 1 when a group of intruders struck at Canterbury Rd, Kilsyth, at 3am.

In both cases, vehicles pulled up outside the businesses before fire erupted, fuelled by petrol spread by the hooded arsonists.

One piece of CCTV shows three men moving around inside the Kilsyth factory allegedly spreading petrol before it quickly goes up in flames.

Detectives from Knox CIU say there are four vehicles of interest to investigators.

They are

• A blue 2012 Toyota Camry sedan which was seen inbound on EastLink at 3.30am on December 23 and caught on CCTV at the Bayswater scene. It was later seen on Mountain Highway, Bayswater, and found on January 17 at Jubilee Park, Frankston.

• A white 2016 Toyota Prado 4WD which was at the Kilsyth scene on January 1 and found burnt-out at Greaves Rd in Dandenong on January 3.

• A white 2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse wagon also filmed at the Kilsyth fire about 3am on 1 January. and found incinerated at Deals Rd, Clayton South, on January 29.

• An older model white van seen entering Greaves Rd before the Prado was torched.

Fire consumes a Bayswater blinds factory after it’s targeted by arsonists. Picture: Supplied

Detective Insp. Glen Cruse of eastern region said the torchings were deliberate, co-ordinated and highly dangerous.

“Both factories were located in busy commercial areas surrounded by other businesses. The risk to nearby property was significant, and it’s extremely fortunate no one was seriously injured or killed,” Insp. Cruse said.

“Our investigation is progressing, and our detectives are closing in on those responsible.

“Investigators are urging anyone who may have information, including dashcam or CCTV footage from both locations, or know who was involved to come forward.”

Anyone with information or CCTV of the vehicles can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.