A business owner has been deeply affected after his ice cream parlour was targeted in a firebombing incident, with the shop’s security cameras capturing the explosion and subsequent flames that engulfed the building. Two teenagers have since been charged in connection with the alleged attack, with one of them being taken to hospital after an encounter with a police dog.
The footage shows the fire spreading rapidly through the shop located in Tarneit, which is in the western part of Melbourne, around 2:30 am.
Earlier in the night, a car was seen reversing into the business multiple times. Two individuals wearing hoodies exited the vehicle and, it appears, carried a jerry can with them as they entered the premises. The suspects reportedly poured an accelerant across the storefront before attempting to start a fire. They were unsuccessful in their first two attempts, but on the third try, a powerful explosion occurred, forcing the alleged perpetrators to flee for their lives in a Toyota Corolla, which was later found abandoned.
The owner of the dessert bar arrived at the scene within minutes and was left shocked and confused by the destruction. The shop is managed by a 16-year-old who has dedicated a significant amount of time and effort to running the business while balancing high school responsibilities. Despite the setback, he expressed determination to rebuild the business.
“This business means a lot,” said Othman Hawari, the manager. “I’ve put lots of hard work into actually managing the place and doing things correctly, making the community come back again and again.”
Hours after the attack, specialist officers arrested two 17-year-old boys with assistance from the airwing around 5 am.
One of the boys was bitten by a police dog during the arrest. Arson experts are currently conducting a forensic investigation at the scene to gather any evidence that may have been left behind.
The two suspects have been charged with several offences, including aggravated burglary, criminal damage by fire, conduct endangering life or serious injury, theft of a motor vehicle, and possession of articles to destroy. One of the boys will face a children’s court, while the other will have a bedside hearing as he remains in the hospital.
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