In short:
A man was found on fire during a suspected arson attack on Triholm Avenue in Laverton, with two males arrested at the scene. It’s the third serious incident on the same street since July, prompting an Echo Taskforce investigation.
Police arrest two after Triholm Avenue blaze
Two men have been arrested following a violent arson attack that tore through a Laverton vehicle repair business in the early hours of 26 September — the third serious incident on the same street in just three months.
Echo Taskforce detectives are leading the investigation after police on patrol noticed flames coming from a business on Triholm Avenue shortly after 3.30am. Upon approaching the scene, officers allegedly found two men actively setting the premises and multiple vehicles alight using an accelerant.
During the arson attack, one of the offenders caught fire. Officers at the scene acted quickly to extinguish the flames engulfing the man before arresting both individuals.
A 22-year-old man from Tarneit was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and remains under police guard.
The second man, a 19-year-old from Wyndham Vale, has since been charged with criminal damage by fire (arson) and theft of a motor vehicle. He is due to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 27 September.
The fire caused significant damage to the property and vehicles at the scene. Fire crews were called in to control the blaze, which was eventually brought under control with no further injuries reported.
The incident follows two other serious events at the same Triholm Avenue business. On 23 September, a black Audi Q7 was used to ram the front fence of the property in what appeared to be an attempted break-in. No entry was gained, and the vehicle fled the scene.
Earlier in July, several vehicles behind the same workshop were set alight in a targeted arson attack. CCTV footage from that incident showed offenders arriving in a stolen vehicle, igniting the cars, and fleeing into the night.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
