Car dealership run by MAFS contestant firebombed in Port Melbourne
Updated ,first published
A Melbourne car dealership managed by a former Married At First Sight star was firebombed early Wednesday morning, becoming the latest site of near-daily arson attacks in the city.
Two men smashed open the front of the Chery car dealership on Plummer Street, Port Melbourne, about 4.40am and set fire to a vehicle inside, before fleeing.
Firefighters arrived at the business about 4.50am and found the showroom filled with smoke. Thirty firefighters, including an aerial unit, worked to extinguish the blaze by 5.23am.
The Port Philip Crime Investigation Unit is investigating the fire, which has been deemed suspicious. Nobody was injured in the attack.
The dealership is owned by James Susler, an entrepreneur and contestant on Season 8 of Married At First Sight, according to Susler’s LinkedIn and Instagram. The dealership opened just five days ago.
Susler told reporters at the scene that he didn’t know why the dealership would be targeted.
“It’s not the best, ideal situation ... we will get bigger and stronger,” he told Nine News.
Victoria Police confirmed its Operation Eclipse taskforce was not yet probing whether this attack was linked to a series of firebombings and attempted arson attacks at Melbourne nightlife venues orchestrated by organised crime gang “the Cartel”.
The dealership had received no threats beforehand and a security guard hired to protect the business had witnessed the attack.
Hospitality venues targeted by the Cartel have received messages warning the attacks were designed to take their businesses, families and “souls”.
Arrests made by Victoria Police so far have largely consisted of teenage boys who were allegedly paid a small fee to carry out the attacks on behalf of the gang.
On Tuesday, Melbourne nightclub La Di Da was targeted in an early morning arson attack, and the Bodyline brothel in Yarraville was subjected to a drive-by shooting.
Susler was contacted for comment.
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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.