Ricky Nixon’s van targeted in firebombing attack

Vandals have targeted Ricky Nixon, firebombing the van used in his mobile health check business outside his Port Melbourne home.

Ricky Nixon’s Vital Health Checks van in better days. Picture: Supplied

Ricky Nixon says it’s “pretty disappointing” his work vehicle was torched early Wednesday morning.

The former high-flying footy agent woke to the news that his Vital Health Checks van had been one of many set alight in Port Melbourne.

“I’ve had better days,’’ Nixon said.

“It’s pretty disappointing. You can’t be up all day and night standing by the van. Up to 15 cars were set on fire in the past day. Every day and night there’s a stabbing, a shooting, fires. Welcome to the future.”

Vandals torched Nixon’s van in the early hours of Wednesday. Picture: Supplied

Nixon said police knocked on his door around 3am to check on his welfare.

“They called me today which I appreciated,’’ he said. “My equipment is not kept in it for this very reason.”

Nixon launched an “ambulance” to provide mobile health checks during the Covid pandemic and takes the van around to local footy ovals.

The Vital Health Checks website says the service provides “on the spot health risk assessments using state of the art technology”, including laser skin checks as well as flu and Covid vaccinations.

Victoria Police confirmed Port Phillip Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the fire.

“Emergency services were called to the vehicle blaze on Farrell Street about 2.30am,” a police spokesperson said.

“The vehicle was extensively damaged, but no one was injured during the incident.

“The exact circumstances surrounding the fire are yet to be established but it is believed to be suspicious.

“The investigation remains ongoing.”