Three arrested after Docklands restaurant arson

Three offenders have been arrested after an arson attack at a restaurant in Docklands this morning.

It is understood the males smashed the glass doors and entered the restaurant on Docklands Drive about 3.30am.

Accelerant was poured inside the venue before it was set alight.

The fire caused minor damage to the building before it was extinguished.

The offenders fled south on Docklands Drive where they attempted to get into a stolen vehicle, before being disturbed by uniform officers who were patrolling the area.

They ran from the scene.

Police searched the area and located two males allegedly hiding under the Bolte Bridge in Ron Barassi Snr Park.

The males were arrested without further incident.

A third male was located in a vehicle on Docklands Drive where he was arrested.

Police located jerry cans inside the car.

The 19-year-old Collingwood man, 22-year-old Fitzroy North man and a 16-year-old boy from the Glen Eira area will be interviewed by investigators.

Melbourne Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the circumstances of the incident.

Detectives from Operation Eclipse will also review the matter to determine if it is linked to the current series of incidents targeting licensed premises across inner metropolitan Melbourne.

The operation was established last month to target a range of serious and organised crime syndicates believed to be involved in the offending, as well as determining the motive for these attacks.

Senior Constable Paul Hogan and Kathryn Muffett

Media Unit

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