Teens charged over alleged arson attack on Melbourne CBD bar

Three teens have been charged over an alleged arson attack on an iconic Melbourne CBD bar.

Police were notified after Melbourne City Council staff spotted a suspicious vehicle on safety cameras, near the corner of Flinders and AC/DC lanes.

When police arrived at the scene they found the late night venue Bar Bambi on AC/DC Lane ablaze.

READ MORE: 'Appalling': Boos mar Sydney, Melbourne Anzac Day dawn services

It's the second time in a week the bar's been attacked, but the owners vowed to reopen straight away.

The bar was filled with revellers into the early hours of Saturday morning before the alleged arsonists smashed through the entry and tried to set the venue alight at about 5am.

The trio believed to be behind the attack were spotted driving a Toyota ute suspiciously on city CCTV cameras and were quickly caught.

Late on Saturday night, police announced they'd charged the 15, 16 and 17 year olds with a range of offences, including: criminal damage by fire, burglary, theft of motor vehicle, handle stolen goods.

The 17-year-old from Darebin was hit with additional charges while on bail.

The trio will face a children's court at a later date.

READ MORE: US millionaire trophy hunter killed by herd of elephants

Bar Bambi is the latest venue to be torched in a spate of underworld attacks targeting alcohol distributors and hospitality venues.

The bar, owned by businessman Nick Russian, was smashed into exactly a week ago.

It is one of several high-profile hospitality venues to have been targeted this month including Soho bar The Men's Gallery and The Albion.

Nine News understands a new crime syndicate is believed to be behind the spree with possible links to Middle Eastern crime gangs.

READ MORE: Women charged over RSL graffiti on Anzac Day

Police are investigating whether the gang's objective is to get a stronghold on the booze market through scare tactics and extortion, including violent kidnappings.

Victoria Police have vowed to bolster security.

Sally Curtain, CEO of Victorian Chamber of Commerce said other venues are "increasing security."

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.

• Download the 9NEWS App here via Apple and Google Play
• Make 9News your preferred source on Google by ticking this box here
• Sign up to our breaking newsletter here