Two fires in neighbouring Melbourne suburbs within an hour
Two fires happened in neighboring Melbourne suburbs overnight. Both Essendon and Moonee Ponds caught fire within an hour. Both are suspected arson.
Police are investigating two suspicious fires in neighboring Melbourne suburbs. The fires happened within an hour of each other overnight.
An empty house on Deakin Street in Essendon caught fire just before midnight. Unknown offenders were seen running away.
About 30 firefighters brought the fire under control within an hour. They stopped it from spreading to homes nearby.
Just an hour later, a fire started at a hair and skin clinic on Shuter Street in Moonee Ponds. Police believe unknown offenders threw jerry cans into the business.
Then they set it on fire. The offenders fled in a light-colored vehicle heading north.
Victoria Police have set up crime scenes at both locations. There is no information showing the fires are linked.
But investigations are still in early stages.
- About 30
- Firefighters at Essendon fire
- Just under an hour
- Time between fires
- Within five minutes
- Essendon fire response time
Why it mattersTwo suspected arson attacks in one night cause safety concerns in the area. They have also started a police investigation. The investigation looks into possible organized crime activity.
AustraliaResidents and businesses in Essendon and Moonee Ponds are affected by the fires and ongoing police investigation; anyone with information is urged to contact CrimeStoppers.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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