Latest news with #Campbellfield
The Independent
29-05-2025
- General
- The Independent
Man sets himself on fire during botched arson attempt at restaurant
A man accidentally set himself on fire while attempting to carry out an arson attack at a restaurant in Australia. The unidentified suspect was caught on CCTV entering the Al Marjan restaurant in Campbellfield, Melbourne, on 21 May, last year. CCTV released by Victoria Police, shows a suspect dressed in black, pour accelerant across the bar and floor, before slipping on the surface. As the suspect tries to ignite the fire, he is suddenly engulfed in flames. Despite being set alight, the alleged arsonist manages to flee. Police have released the video in an appeal for public assistance to identify the suspect.
Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Wild moment alleged arsonist sets himself alight during bungled attack inside a Middle Eastern restaurant
The moment an alleged arsonist sets himself alight during a botched attack on a Middle Eastern restaurant has been captured on CCTV. Footage from inside Al Marjan in Campbellfield, in Melbourne 's north, shows the man pouring liquid on benchtops and furniture before setting the restaurant - and himself - on fire just before 4.30am on May 21, 2024. The man, wearing a black hooded jumper, inadvertently doused himself in petrol as he used a jerry can to pour the accelerant all over the restaurant. In the CCTV, the alleged arsonist is seen dropping to the ground in an attempt to extinguish himself before stumbling several times as he raced out the door. The man had arrived in a silver Mercedes Benz E240 which he rammed through the door of the restaurant to gain access. Detectives believe the incident is linked to the state's illegal tobacco trade and have established a special taskforce to catch those responsible. 'This is yet another example of just how unpredictable fire is and the inherent dangers of arson,' Taskforce Lunar Detective Inspector Graham Banks said. 'It is probable this man will have needed some kind of treatment for significant burns.' Det Insp Banks said he hoped the release of the CCTV footage would incentivise anyone who recognised the man to come forward with new information. Emergency services were called to the Al Marjan restaurant, on the Hume Highway, shortly after the man had fled. Fire Rescue Victoria said the business sustained minor damage from the incident. Detectives said the Mercedes used to ram through the restaurant's door has since been recovered with cloned numberplates. Al Marjan was attacked again several months later on November 6.
Daily Mail
07-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Countless fish, birds and rabbits tragically perish after flames from suspicious fire spread to pet store
Countless fish, bids and rabbits have perished after a suspicious fire spread to a pet store on a busy strip in Melbourne. The heartbroken owner of King Pets on Mahoneys Road in Campbellfield, in the city's north, said the fire erupted about 3.45am on Wednesday. It's suspected a neighbouring dessert and acai shop was the target of the alleged firebombing, but it wasn't long before the blaze spread to the pet shop. It's understood only 20 baby turtles and a handful of fish survived the fire. 'Hundreds of birds have all perished, thousands of fish have also perished, we have also lost rabbits,' the owner told the Herald Sun. 'We are totally devastated and still trying to comprehend what has happened. 'It's still a massive shock. We are heartbroken.' The fire was finally brought under control by 30 firefighters shortly before 4.30am. No one was injured but a smoke warning was issued for the surrounding area. The organiser of a GoFundMe for King Pets the building was 'completely destroyed'. 'This isn't just the loss of a shop - it's the loss of a 25-year legacy. A business built with love, care, and tireless effort over decades,' he wrote. 'A place that brought joy to countless families, supported the welfare of animals, and became a trusted part of the community. 'Most importantly, this pet shop supported five local families. Overnight, they've not only lost their workplace - they've lost their livelihood. 'Their ability to provide for their children, pay their bills and keep a roof over their heads is now under serious threat.' Detective Senior Constable Scott McCowan said the owner was 'distraught'. 'The business owner, as expected, is on scene and is distraught, along with the neighbouring businesses,' he said. The news comes after the destruction of 10 dessert and acai bars in Melbourne - fuelling rumours the city is facing an all-out 'acai war' as seen in Sydney. An ice cream parlour in Williamstown linked to the Haddara tobacco family and a Springvale acai bar were destroyed by fire just last week. Rumours of a acai 'war' in Sydney were addressed by the owners of a popular food truck, Acai World, following its destruction in February. 'This was a targeted attack to burn down a business that was doing well,' Ray Amer, the nephew of the two brothers, who owned the store, explained. 'We've seen the camera footage, there were two people that set the shop on fire, we don't know who did it.' The owners were adamant their competitors weren't responsible.
