A teenager and a man have been charged following the latest arson attack on a Melbourne hospitality venue.
Detectives from Operation Eclipse are reviewing this incident to determine if it is related to the series of targeted attacks on licensed premises across the CBD, Prahran and South Melbourne.
Fourteen venues have been targeted, either by drive-by shootings or arson, in 21 separate attacks since March 26.
Police allege the attacks are being carried out by teenagers, often members of street gangs, who are recruited to carry out the attacks.
The Herald Sun reported on Sunday the wave of arson attacks was part of a plot to coerce Melbourne venues to sell bootleg alcohol.
Operation Eclipse was established after investigators connected at least 16 incidents including attacks on venues, bashings and two attempted kidnappings, according to the Herald Sun.
Some of the venues previously attacked are Love Machine in Prahran, The Emerson, The Albion Hotel and Soho Restaurant and Bar.
Police allege the pair smashed glass doors and entered the restaurant on Docklands Drive about 3.30am on Saturday.
Accelerant was allegedly poured inside the venue before it was set alight, causing minor damage to the building.
It’s alleged they fled south on Docklands Drive where they tried to get into a stolen car before being disturbed by officers patrolling the area.
They then allegedly fled the scene again.
Police searched the area and found two men hiding under the Bolte Bridge in Ron Barassi Snr Park where they were arrested.
A third male was located in a vehicle on Docklands Drive where he was arrested and police seized jerry cans from the car.
A 16-year-old Glen Eira boy was charged with criminal damage by fire, reckless conduct endangering life and burglary.
He was remanded to appear before a children’s court.
A 22-year-old man from Fitzroy North was charged with criminal damage by fire, reckless conduct endangering life and burglary.
He is remanded to appear before Melbourne Magistrate’s Court on Sunday.
A 19-year-old Collingwood man was interviewed and released pending further investigation into the incident.
