Markets 
Police have caught a pair of alleged would-be arsonists moments before a second attempted firebombing on a Southbank restaurant.
Officers arrested two boys wearing balaclavas and latex gloves who were loitering near Left Bank, a popular dining spot on Southbank Boulevard, about 4am on Monday.
Police found a vehicle, believed to be used by the pair, parked nearby containing jerry cans and a sledgehammer.
The boys, aged 15 and 16, will be interviewed by officers.
It’s the latest of more than 20 attacks or attempted attacks on Melbourne nightlife venues since February. Police appear unable to find a motive for the actions of the criminal gang responsible.
There have also been arson attacks, or attempted attacks, at South Yarra venues France-Soir and Le Splendide, Love Machine in Prahran and Bar Bambi in the CBD.
In Southbank, the Soho Restaurant and Bar was also targeted earlier this month, in addition to nearby Left Bank, which was almost hit again early on Monday.
On Sunday, there was a drive-by shooting at The Emerson and firebombing of Bar Up in South Yarra.
In a post on Instagram, management of The Emerson said the drive-by shooting did not involve real bullets but blanks, “creating the sound of gunfire without live bullets”.
“The incident occurred outside the venue and did not involve Emerson patrons or staff. No injuries were sustained.”
Management added: “This is exactly how fear campaigns destroy businesses and damage Melbourne.
“An isolated incident outside the venue gets amplified, people panic, and suddenly responsible venues, staff, artists, DJs, security teams, hospitality workers and local businesses all wear the damage.”
Police issued an extraordinary warning to late-night revellers on April 17, urging people to watch out for arsonists after a spate of firebombings rattled the hospitality industry.
The attacks have been largely carried out by young adults or teenagers, and some venues have been hit more than once.
The violence has extended to other businesses too: a liquor distillery in Keysborough owned by nightclub industry figures George Grigoriadis and Danny Grant was destroyed late on Thursday.
The Age also revealed on Friday that a bakery in Epping was accidently torched earlier this month. The intended target was an office space linked to two prominent nightclub promoters, who are in hiding.
Two boys, aged 16 and 17, were arrested this month over an arson attack in South Yarra. On Saturday, three boys aged 17, 16 and 15 were arrested, accused of firebombing Bar Bambi.
Police believe the young alleged offenders have been hired anonymously online to carry out the attacks, often without knowing who they are working for.
“These young kids are being used as cannon fodder for a few hundred dollars,” Detective Inspector Chris Murray of the arson squad has said. “And when they do go to prison, I can tell you now, they’re not getting phone calls from the people that put them up.”
Premier Jacinta Allan said at a press conference on Monday that the investigation into recent attacks was Victoria Police’s highest priority.
“We’ve seen some incidences in the past few days that are a concern to all of us, and that is why we can see Victoria Police and the chief commissioner placing a very high priority in investigating these cases that are causing such concern,” she said.
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
Angus Delaney is a reporter at The Age. Email him at angus.delaney@theage.com.au or contact him securely on Signal at angusdelaney.31Connect via email.From our partners
Read the full article here
