Police release CCTV footage of Melbourne arson linked to bikies
The resident of a house targeted by arsonists last year was the victim of a violent $20 million extortion attempt by three members of the Bandidos weeks before the attack.
CCTV footage of an arson attack in Melbourne's inner west, believed to be linked to a $20 million extortion attempt by bikies, has been released by police. The incident occurred at a property in Yarraville, where two cars were destroyed and the house suffered fire damage. The resident, who was also targeted in a previous extortion attempt, escaped unharmed.
Two grey Toyota RAV4s pulled up outside the residence, with two males getting out and pouring accelerant over the vehicles and the front door area. They then threw Molotov cocktails at the cars before fleeing the scene. Police have released the footage in hopes of identifying the men involved. Taskforce Echo, tasked with investigating crimes involving outlaw motorcycle gangs, stated that the incident could have been deadly, as a woman and a young child were present at the time.
The occupant had received a similar extortion attempt a month prior, during which they were slapped and punched. Three men were charged in November last year, all identified as Bandidos. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact CrimeStoppers.
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