Two boys arrested after alleged arson attack on Melbourne bar
Two teenage boys have been arrested after a Melbourne bar was allegedly targeted in an attempted arson attack for the third time in a month.
Patrolling police spotted a white Kia wagon outside Bar Bambi on Flinders Lane at about 4.45 am today.
It's alleged two males ran from the car, carrying a jerry can.
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Vision captured the moment police busted two people allegedly pouring accelerant into the ACDC Lane venue. Nine
Police are investigating an attempted arson attack on Bar Bambi in Melbourne. 9News
They allegedly smashed one of the Bar Bambi windows and tried to pour fuel into the venue, but police moved in and arrested them.
A third person driving the Kia fled the scene in the car. Neither the driver or the car have been found.
A 16-year-old Casey boy and a 16-year-old Monash boy will be interviewed by investigators.
Detectives are working to determine any links to previous incidents.
It's the third time in weeks Bar Bambi has been targeted by attackers, amid what appears to be a mounting underworld war involving hospitality venues across Melbourne.
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The alleged getaway vehicle sped off as police pounced on the pair. Nine
A red jerry can was left at the scene. 9News
Police have established Operation Eclipse to investigate these incidents and whoever is behind them.
The task force has arrested 51 people since 27 April in relation to 38 incidents.
"Thirty-eight of the 51 arrests have been achieved on the hop, so as people were about to commit offences, they've been arrested," Detective Superintendent Jason Kelly said.
"Victoria Police response is working. We are catching people as they're about to commit these offences.
"We're out there every night, every morning and we're catching them in the act."
Many of those arrested are children, including two 17-year-old boys taken into custody this morning after police raided two homes and seized a gun, multiple electronic devices and drugs.
The boys are being interviewed by police after five Molotov cocktails were thrown towards The George Hotel on Cecil Street in South Melbourne about 2.20 am on May 2.
Operation Eclipse detectives also arrested a 20-year-old Tarneit man this morning after two CBD bars received extortion demands online.
Demands for money were made via social media on May 7 to the venues on Flinders Lane and Lonsdale Street.
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Detective Superintendent Jason Kelly said police were keeping an open mind as to who was behind the spate of attacks. Nine
"There's been some rather, I would describe as cryptic messages and there has been demands for some money...around the $10,000 figure," Kelly said.
"We're keeping an open mind as to whether this was just an opportunistic situation."
Police seized a number of knives, ammunition and a mobile phone from the man's home.
He has been charged with weapons offences and was bailed to appear at Wyndham Magistrates' Court on June 12.
Despite making more than four dozen arrests, detectives admit they haven't been able to get the bottom of who is behind the attacks.
"We haven't had those clear demands from serious and organised crime that you'd expect and that we saw through the illicit tobacco conflict," Kelly said.
"We are keeping an open mind. Everthing is still on the table.
"We are working heavily in relation to some avenues of enquiry and that includes offshore [sydnicates]."
Anybody with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers online or on 1800 333 000.
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