Four charged following factory fire in Keysborough

Detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad have charged four males overnight as part of their investigation into an arson at an alcohol storage facility in Keysborough.

With assistance from Operation Eclipse and Crime Investigation Units from North West Metro, three search warrants were executed yesterday at addresses in Melbourne’s north.

Three males from the Hume area aged 15, 16 and 17 have all been charged with criminal damage by fire (arson).

A fourth male, aged 16, and already in custody for unrelated offending has this morning also been charged with criminal damage by fire (arson).

The quartet will appear at a children’s court at a later date.

The charges follow an incident where emergency services were called to the large blaze at an alcohol distribution centre on Atlantic Drive about 10.45pm on Thursday, 23 April.

The building and its contents were completely destroyed.

Operation Eclipse commenced on 27 April to target serious and organised crime syndicate/s believed to be involved in a series of offending linked to hospitality venues, as well as determining the motive for these attacks.

The operation, led by specialist detectives including the Gang Crime Squad and Arson and Explosives Squad continues to work closely with local police, in particular regional detectives who continue to respond to and investigate these incidents.

The specialist resources in Operation Eclipse will focus on the organisers and those pulling the strings

Investigators are continuing to look at all possible motivations behind the offending including who is involved and why.

Police remain open to a range of possibilities and we encourage anyone with any information to come forward.

Police continue to have an increased presence in both an overt and a covert capacity throughout these entertainment precincts, including increased patrols of these areas and visits to licensed premises.

Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Media Unit
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