Overview
- Emergency crews responded about 2:30am after Gelateria on the Docks in Tarneit erupted in flames, with CCTV reportedly showing a car ram the storefront before accelerant was used and an explosion followed.
- Investigators later found a vehicle believed to be involved dumped at Dohertys and Mount Cottrell roads, prompting an extensive search involving the air wing, dog squad and critical incident response team.
- Two boys, both 17 and from Greater Dandenong, were arrested around 5am and have been charged with offences including aggravated burglary, criminal damage by fire, conduct endangering life, motor vehicle theft and possessing articles to destroy.
- One teenager was bitten by a police dog and remains in hospital for a bedside remand hearing, while the other is due to appear in a children's court.
- A crime scene has been established and an arson chemist is expected to attend as police appeal for witnesses and dashcam footage through Crime Stoppers, noting a separate Williamstown gelateria blaze within just over 24 hours.