Victoria Police release CCTV footage of masked offenders who set cars on fire and graffitied business in Melbourne’s north-east
Detectives are searching for five vandals who set fire to multiple cars and defaced a business in another suspected antisemitic attack in north-east Melbourne.
Victoria Police say the offenders gained entry into a business on Para Road on Saturday just before 4am and torched three vehicles on the property.
The group also spray painted the walls of the business and cars in red paint.
Photos showed one vehicle with what appeared to be a Palestinian flag drawn on the bonnet, with detectives saying “various slogans” were also graffitied.
After the attack, police believe the group, who were all dressed in black hooded jumpers, gloves and were carrying backpacks, fled through a back fence.
They were seen heading south-west along Plenty River on e-bikes.
CCTV footage showed a black car burning while one man vandalised the bonnet.
The targeted business provides high-tech components to the military aerospace sector.
The incident happened just hours after a synagogue in east Melbourne was set on fire.
Police say a man poured a flammable liquid on the front doors of East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation in the city on Friday about 8pm and lit.
About 20 people were inside taking part in Shabbat at the time of the alleged arson attack and were evacuated through the back of the synagogue to safety.
A 34-year-old man from Sydney’s western suburbs was arrested the following night and charged with reckless conduct endanger life, reckless conduct endanger serious injury, criminal damage by fire, and possess a controlled weapon.
“Detectives will continue to examine the intent and ideology of the person charged to determine if the incident is in fact terrorism,” a police spokesperson said.
Earlier that Friday night a protest involving about 70 pro-Palestine demonstrators in the city spread to Miznon, an Israeli restaurant, on Hardware Lane.
Police say offensive chants, including “death to the IDF”, were yelled at staff members.
One witness said the incident unfolded as patrons left.
“There were a handful of people inside, staff and diners, and there was a confrontation between staff members and a handful of protesters who were blocking the doorway when staff were attempting to close the door,” they said.
“Police and the public order response team arrived and started closing in on the rally. People started dispersing and while they were leaving, some protesters were flipping tables and throwing chairs, but by that point all the diners had cleared out.”
A 28-year-old man was arrested and released on summons for hindering police.
Detectives have said they have not yet identified any links between the East Melbourne synagogue arson attack and the public order incident on Hardware Lane.
“There is absolutely no place at all in our society for antisemitic behaviour,” police said.
Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
