Search for accomplices as alleged arsonist fights for life after dessert store firebombed
Police are hunting two accomplices after an alleged arsonist sustained "catastrophic" burns when a Melbourne dessert bar was set ablaze early this morning.
Emergency services were called to The Golden Lounge Dessert and Juice Bar in Chapel Street, Prahran after witnesses saw a group of three males pouring accelerant on the business about 4.15am.
Police said the men forcibly gained entry to the premises and spread the accelerant before a "large explosion" occurred.
The group fled in a waiting vehicle, despite one of them being "visibly on fire", according to police.
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Emergency services were called to The Golden Lounge Dessert and Juice Bar in Chapel Street, Prahran after witnesses saw a group of males pouring accelerant on the businesses about 4:15am, police said. Nine
Less than an hour later paramedics were called to an address in Fitzroy, where they found a man with significant burns to his body.
The 51-year-old was taken to The Alfred Hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.
Police are searching for two outstanding males in relation to the attack, who they claim left the injured man "for dead".
"We hold those two personally responsible for the injuries suffered by the individual presently in hospital," Arson and Explosives Squad Detective Inspector Chris Murray said.
"The unpredictability of fire is on show here today.
"We've got an individual spreading fire and as a result that individuals life may be lost."
A crime scene has been established at The Golden Lounge, which was extensively damaged in the fire.
Surrounding businesses also sustained damage.
The Chapel Street store was the target of an alleged arson attack six weeks ago. Nine
The dessert bar has been temporarily closed since December, when a fire ripped through the shop.
Police believe the two incidents may be linked, but have not established a motive for the attacks.
At this stage, there is no indication they are connected to Victoria's tobacco wars.
In a video posted to Instagram last month, the business vowed to "come back stronger and better" following the damage from the December 6 blaze.
Arson and Explosives Squad Detective Inspector Chris Murray said. Nine
"Unfortunately due to some unforeseen circumstances we will be closed for a while," The Golden Lounge representative said.
"Because of the damages we really cannot open up any time soon.
"We'll definitely be back and we'll be bringing you guys the best acai once again and amazing crepes, high quality drinks."
Murray urged members of the community with information about the fires to come forward to prevent a future, potentially fatal, arson attack.
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A crime scene has been established at the Golden Lounge, which was extensively damaged in the fire. Nine
"This was our worst fear," Murray said.
"We have been clear since these arson attacks started that it was only a matter of time before someone is killed or very seriously injured as a direct result of one of these fires.
"Today is that day."
Murray also appealed for the remaining two offenders to come forward.
"We would implore them to visit us before we visit them," he said.
"We will be coming to visit them, it's a question of when."
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
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