Two charged following Southbank fire

Published:
Saturday 18 April 2026 at 4:43 am

Melbourne Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged two teenagers following an alleged arson in Southbank yesterday morning.

A 17-year-old boy from the Whitehorse area and a 16-year-old boy from the Cardinia area were both charged with:

  • criminal damage by fire (Arson)
  • attempted criminal damage by fire (Arson)
  • criminal damage
  • burglary
  • theft of Motor Vehicle
  • possess controlled weapon

The charges follow an alleged arson at a bar on Riverside Quay about 4.20am on Friday, 17 April.

It is alleged the teens started a fire at the licensed premises, which was closed at the time, then fled in a silver Nissan Patrol.

Officers followed the Nissan to Balwyn where it came to a dead-end on Dundee Street.

Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) officers arrested the teenagers.

They were both remanded to appear at a children’s court today.

Kathryn Muffett

Media Unit

147584

Updated