Two teenage boys have been charged over the attempted firebombing of a popular bar in Melbourne's CBD, which police say may be linked to a wave of attacks on licensed venues and $10,000 extortion demands.
Incident Details
Patrolling officers spotted a white car arriving outside Bar Bambi on Flinders Lane about 4:45 am on Friday. The pair, both 16, allegedly ran from the car holding a red jerry can before smashing a window of the venue and attempting to pour fuel inside. Officers intervened and arrested the two boys, while the driver fled in the vehicle, which has not been located.
The teens have been charged with attempted criminal damage by fire, reckless conduct endangering life, burglary, and handling stolen goods. Detectives are working to identify possible links to previous incidents.
Previous Attacks
Bar Bambi has been targeted by alleged arsonists twice before, including on April 25 when three teens were charged over an alleged attack. Separately, police arrested two 17-year-old boys over the firebombing of The George Hotel in South Melbourne on May 2, where five Molotov cocktails were thrown. No one was inside, and minimal damage occurred.
Extortion Demands
Officers also arrested and charged a 20-year-old Tarneit man on Friday over a separate investigation into extortion demands on two other Melbourne venues. He allegedly demanded $10,000 from venues on Flinders Lane and Lonsdale Street via social media on May 7. Detectives seized knives, ammunition, and a phone from his home. He was bailed to appear at Wyndham Magistrates' Court on June 12.
Detective Superintendent Jason Kelly said investigations are ongoing into whether the alleged extortions are linked to the hospitality venue attacks or involve opportunistic individuals.
Police Response
Victoria Police have increased patrols around Melbourne's entertainment precincts following the spate of attacks. Operation Eclipse was established to investigate incidents believed linked to organised crime syndicates. To date, officers have arrested 51 people in connection with attacks on Melbourne's hospitality industry, including 38 apprehended while about to carry out offences.
State Opposition Leader Jess Wilson, who held a private forum at Bar Bambi less than 24 hours before the latest attack, said venue owners want more police and tougher laws. She pledged to recruit 3000 more police, implement real adult time for adult crime, and introduce one-strike bail laws under a government she leads.
