Three teenagers have been charged over alleged arson attacks on nightclubs in Melbourne, as authorities crack down on the city's so-called bar wars. One of the alleged firebombers was found carrying a large machete during a dramatic arrest at a shopping centre in Maribyrnong.
The 17-year-old boy from Wyndham was out on bail at the time of the alleged attacks. Two other 18-year-old men from Tarneit were also charged over the alleged firebombing attacks, with one of them also out on bail at the time.
Details of the attacks
The group is accused of targeting three separate venues — one of them twice — in the early morning hours of May 4 and 5. A number of the charges relate to the alleged firebombings of Ladida nightclub and Electric nightclub. These venues were hit in a series of coordinated attacks that have heightened concerns about escalating violence in Melbourne's nightlife district.
Charges laid
The trio were charged with a raft of offences including aggravated burglary, burglary, criminal damage, attempted aggravated burglary, criminal damage by fire, attempted criminal damage by fire, handle stolen goods, committing an indictable offence while on bail, failing to stop on police direction, and possessing cannabis. The charges reflect the serious nature of the alleged crimes, which have caused significant damage and raised public safety concerns.
Broader context of bar wars
The incidents are among the more high-profile firebombings in the bar wars that have erupted across Melbourne over the past couple of months, particularly since mid-April. In a separate case involving Bar Bambi nightclub, a 16-year-old fronted the Children's Court over an alleged firebombing that took place on April 25. Prosecutors revealed they had captured the teenager speaking to his mother on the youth justice phone, asking her to collect the $20,000 he was owed for the alleged attack. He allegedly planned to distribute the bounty between himself and his co-accused.
Police say $20,000 is the going rate criminals are offering young offenders for these firebombings, with some as young as 14, 15, and 16 years old being recruited for the attacks. The teenagers are too young to be processed in adult court and remain in the children's court system. Authorities are concerned about the recruitment of minors for such serious crimes and are working to disrupt the networks behind these attacks.
