Arsonists destroy Melbourne warehouse in ‘targeted’ attack
An arsonist who set ablaze a suburban Melbourne factory might have lit himself on fire during the targeted attack.
Three males went to the e-commerce centre at Meriton Place at Clayton South in a blue Volkswagon Golf about 10pm on January 26, police said.
Two of the group smashed through the front door of the Future Fulfilment warehouse and spread accelerant inside while a third offender spread the fuel outside and lit the blaze.
Detective Senior Sergeant Grant Lewis said on Friday one of the trio may have injured himself during the attack.
“There is a possible injury to one male due to him lighting the fire, and may have caught fire to himself,” Lewis said.
Officers were investigating whether someone with burn injuries sought medical attention, he said.
Detective Senior Sergeant Grant Lewis from the Moorabbin Crime Investigation Unit updates the media on the factory fire on Friday.Credit:Nine News
He said the “brazen and risky” attack on the e-commerce business appeared targeted, but the motive wasn’t clear.
“They’re clearly motivated, and they’re clearly angry and aggressive, and they had a point to prove,” he said.
Police released CCTV footage of the incident.
Lewis said the footage was clear and authorities had an accurate description of the car involved.
Firefighters at the scene of a deliberately lit factory fire at Clayton South. Credit:Nine News
Damage to the building was estimated to be worth around $2 million and the premises will have to be torn down due to the damage.
The authorities were also speaking to the owner of the business – a 30-year-old man – about what might have led to the attack on the property.
One offender appears to be wearing black pants, a black T-shirt, black shoes and a black beanie with a headlamp.
Another is dressed all in black clothing, with a headlamp.
Firefighters work to put out the blaze at the factory. Credit:Nine News
While a third appears to be wearing black pants, a long white T-shirt, a cream-coloured hooded jumper and white shoes.
The business has been contacted for comment.
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