Three youths arrested following factory fire in Keysborough

Detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad have this morning arrested three males 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 this morning at addresses in Melbourne’s north.

Three males have been taken into custody and will now be interviewed by detectives. They include:

• A 17-year-old male from the Hume area
• A 16-year-old from the Hume area, and
• A 15-year-old from the Hume area.

This morning’s activity follows an incident where emergency services were called to the large blaze at an alcohol distribution centre on Atlantic Drive about 10.45p 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

Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Chris Murray, Arson and Explosives Squad:

“Youth offenders committing offences on behalf of serious and organised criminals face significant jail time or even life changing injuries for offences carried out on behalf of people they don’t know and importantly, people who don’t care.

“Some of these youth have little or no criminal history. It is simply not worth the risk to themselves nor the community around them.

“If you have any information on the motivation behind these attacks and who is responsible, please let us know.”

Media Unit
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