Two boys charged following attempted arson on Flinders Lane

Melbourne Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged two teens after an alleged attempted arson attack in Melbourne’s CBD this morning.

Officers spotted a white Kia wagon arrive at a licenced venue on Flinders Lane about 4.45am.

It is alleged two males ran from the car with a jerry can in hand.

The males allegedly smashed a window to the premises and attempted to pour fuel into the venue.

There was a cleaner inside the premises at the time who was forced to hide during the incident.

Police moved in and arrested two boys.

The driver of the Kia took off from the scene in the vehicle.

Despite a thorough search of the area, the driver and the Kia were not located.

A 16-year-old boy from the Casey area and a 16-year-old boy from the Monash were interviewed by investigators.

They have both been charged with attempted criminal damage by fire, reckless conduct endangering life, burglary and handle stolen goods and will appear at a children’s court at a later date.

Detectives are working to determine any possible links to previous incidents.

Operation Eclipse commenced duty on 27 April to target a range of serious and organised crime syndicates 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

Senior Constable Paul Hogan

Media Unit

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