Updated ,first published
A Melbourne car dealership managed by a former Married At First Sight star was firebombed early Wednesday morning, becoming the latest victim in near daily arson attacks in the city.
Firefighters were called to the Chery car dealership on Plummer Street, Port Melbourne, about 4.50am, and found the showroom filled with smoke. Thirty firefighters, including an aerial unit, worked to extinguish the blaze by 5.23am.
A Fire Rescue Victoria spokesperson said the fire was deemed suspicious and Victoria Police’s arson squad would investigate. “Firefighters will remain on scene to ensure the fire is fully extinguished,” they said.
A police spokesperson said the exact circumstances had not been determined and anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers. Nobody had been injured in the attack and Plummer Street was closed in both directions.
The dealership is owned by James Susler, an entrepreneur and contestant on Season 8 of Married At First Sight, according to Susler’s LinkedIn and Instagram. The dealership opened just five days ago.
Susler told reporters at the scene that he was unaware why the dealership would be targeted.
“It’s not the best, ideal situation. We will get bigger and stronger,” he told Nine News.
The dealership had received no threats beforehand and a security guard hired to protect the business had witnessed the attack.
It is not clear if detectives from Victoria Police’s specialist Operation Eclipse taskforce are probing whether this incident is linked to a series of firebombings and attempted arson attacks at Melbourne nightlife venues orchestrated by organised crime gang “the Cartel”.
The gang has sent messages to venue owners warning the attacks were designed to take their businesses, families and “souls”. Arrests made by Victoria Police so far have largely consisted of teenage boys who were allegedly paid a small fee to carry out the attacks on behalf of the gang.
On Tuesday, Melbourne nightclub La Di Da was targeted in an early morning arson attack, and the Bodyline brothel in Yarraville was subjected to a drive-by shooting.
Susler was contacted for comment.
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