Owner of burnt West End restaurant ‘doesn’t know’ why it was targeted

The owner of a restaurant rammed by a ute that was then set alight, burning his business, says he “doesn’t know” why it was targeted, as police release CCTV footage of two suspects.

A stolen Isuzu ute crashed through the front of Arabella’s Middle Eastern restaurant in West End some time before 3am on Wednesday.

No one was injured. Two men allegedly left the scene in a white Ford Falcon.

“I don’t have a problem with anyone and I know nothing,” owner Sami Alsabag told Brisbane Times.

“Yesterday I finished at 11 o’clock, and came in to open this morning and saw everything.

“These people, I don’t know them. I’ve been in West End for 15 years and never had any problems.”

Police are still searching for two men who fled the scene overnight.Credit: Nine News

Alsabag says he only took over the restaurant six weeks ago.

CCTV footage released by Queensland Police shows two suspects allegedly fleeing the scene in a white Ford Falcon, both wearing hoodies and black pants.

Anyone with information, or additional relevant footage is urged to contact police.

Start the day with a summary of the most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.