Melbourne nightclub and brothel the newest targets in so-called bar wars

Two more Melbourne venues have been targeted in a separate firebombing and drive-by shooting on Tuesday morning, as the number of targeted incidents at popular venues across the city continues to rise.

Emergency services were called to the scene of a suspected firebombing attack at La Di Da nightclub – on the corner of King Street and Little Bourke Street in Melbourne’s CBD – about 3.30am on Tuesday.

A security guard who has worked at the venue for six years told ABC radio on Tuesday that management had received a tip from police “two or three weeks ago” warning that La Di Da could be a potential target.

“The security boss got word that this was the next place to be attacked … We were waiting for it,” he said.

The guard added that the venue hadn’t received one of the threatening text messages that were sent to multiple venue owners last week.

A police spokesperson said that they could not provide a comment while investigations were ongoing. Police have previously indicated they were aware that perpetrators had compiled a list of venues to target.

Also on Tuesday morning, there was a separate drive-by shooting at Bodyline brothel in Yarraville about 5.20.

Multiple gunshots were fired from a vehicle driving along Thomas Street and aimed towards the business. No one was injured, and the incident is being investigated. Bodyline management was contacted for comment.

Police confirmed that detectives from Operation Eclipse are investigating both incidents to confirm whether they are linked to the recent spate of hospitality venue attacks across the city.

Witnesses at La Di Da on Tuesday morning told police that a car was seen driving away following the incident. The venue was closed at the time and no one was inside.

Photos from the scene show the venue’s glass entrance door smashed, as well as a burnt jerry can tipped on its side.

The incidents are suspected to be the latest in a three-month campaign of firebombings, shootings and kidnappings that have targeted Melbourne’s hospitality industry.

A nightclub promoter linked to events at La Di Da – as well as other popular CBD venues including Stamina and Brown Alley – was previously targeted in a botched kidnapping.

The promoter is an associate of Paul Samlidis, who runs events at The Albion. Samlidis was assaulted last month during another attempted kidnapping.

More than 30 firebombings, shootings, home invasions and kidnappings have been linked to the crime spree, which has targeted venues including The Emerson, Bar Bambi, The Albion and bistro France-Soir.

Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny said on ABC Radio that establishing the reason behind the recent spate of attacks was the police force’s highest priority.

“Organised crime syndicates who may be trying to intimidate Victorians are not going to be tolerated,” Kilkenny said.

An Iraq-based crime organisation is a prime suspect in the search for the perpetrator of the attacks. The group is believed to be behind threatening messages that were sent to multiple venue owners last week, warning that their businesses would be taken.

“We will take it by force if you don’t comply the police can’t help you its inevitable we won’t stop till we get what we want,” the message read.

Victoria Police established the Operation Eclipse taskforce in April to target “crime syndicates” in relation to the various offences.

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