Police have searched a Bandidos clubhouse and arrested a suspected member as detectives investigate the firebombing of a tobacco shop in Melbourne’s west, which left an alleged arsonist critically injured.
The attack happened shortly before 3am on September 3 at The Boss Tobacconist near the corner of High and Alexandra streets in Melton. Victoria Police said a white ute pulled up outside the shop before two people entered and allegedly poured accelerant inside.
Both men were injured when the fire took hold. One, aged 23, was found nearby suffering serious burns and was flown to the Alfred Hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.
Police allege the second man fled in the ute, which was later found alight on the Western Highway near Hopetoun Park, about 50 kilometres north-west of Melbourne. Investigators believe he also suffered burns to his hands and feet.
Detective Inspector Chris Murray, of the Arson and Explosives Squad, said officers were treating the incident as a targeted attack and investigating possible links to organised crime.
He has warned that the second alleged offender could face a charge of arson causing death if the injured man dies. Police are also investigating whether others commissioned the attack.
The tobacconist was empty when the fire started, while neighbouring businesses were threatened because the shops shared a common roof space. Fire Rescue Victoria crews arrived within four minutes and brought the blaze under control by 3.12am.
Police have appealed for witnesses, dashcam footage or CCTV showing the ute and its occupants in the Melton and Hopetoun Park areas.
