By Lachlan Abbott
Police are examining the history of the owners of a Docklands restaurant that has gone up in flames, just weeks after a neighbouring venue was destroyed in a suspected firebombing attack.
Emergency services were called to Almina, a Lebanese restaurant on Glenti Place, following reports of suspicious activity about 2.50am on Friday.
Detective Inspector Graham Banks said police were examining the connections of people who own the business but stopped short of linking the firebombing to dozens of arson attacks that have happened across Melbourne in recent months.
“We’re very much looking through the history of the people who own those premises,” he said. “Nothing at this stage is leading out as to why they would be included, but we’re certainly pursuing those lines of inquiry.”
Police say they have been told three offenders were seen smashing the window of the restaurant before a suspected accelerant was used to set it alight. The trio then fled in a vehicle.
Chris, who was working as a relief building manager at a neighbouring apartment building, said she was woken about 3am on Friday by concerned residents who had heard bangs and seen flames.
Detective Inspector Graham Banks from Taskforce Lunar.Credit: Eddie Jim
She said one person texted her: “It’s all happening this morning … What sounded like gunshots for two minutes was smashing windows. Then a massive fireball and a car driving off.”
Some small holes in the restaurant’s glass windows could be seen on Friday morning.
“I’m not sure it was necessarily gunshots. It may just be bangs that the person thought were gunshots,” Chris said.
She did not want to reveal her last name to protect her safety.
Arson detectives were also investigating another suspicious fire overnight at a Tullamarine reception centre.
Police said at least two offenders were seen damaging the front of the building about 3.45am, and then used a suspected accelerant to set the premises alight before fleeing the scene.
“The arson and explosives squad are currently investigating and will keep an open mind regarding the motives, including any connections to other arsons committed in recent times,” a police statement said.
A crime scene has been established around both the Tullamarine and Docklands venues, and arson experts are expected to visit both scenes on Friday morning.
Emergency crews were called to Almina restaurant after reports of suspicious activity.
Last month, New Quay restaurant Karizma was destroyed in an arson attack in the early hours of November 20, the second time the venue had been targeted in three days.
Company records show Karizma is owned by Fadi Haddara, a prominent crime figure who has been linked to wide-scale drug trafficking, illicit tobacco importations and violence for more than a decade.
Police are investigating whether there are any connections between the fires and the feud over the control of Melbourne’s illicit tobacco trade, which has been linked to more than two dozen arson attacks across the city.
Anyone who witnessed either incident or has dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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