A dozen expensive cars were damaged in the blaze at the Spencer St dealership. Picture: Jon Hargest Source: HeraldSun
A MYSTERIOUS anarchist group has claimed responsibility for a fire that gutted a luxury car dealership in West Melbourne last night.
The group posted a statement online, on a website which the Herald Sun has chosen not to name, providing a description of how activists allegedly broke into Gran Turismo Autos on Spencer St at 7.30pm and started the fire.
"The flames of anarchist insurrection roared high above the toxic skies of Melbourne," the group's statement said.
The statement has not been verified but the Herald Sun referred the information to Victoria Police this morning.
Firefighters battle the blaze last night. Picture: Mike Keating
Police refused to comment but investigators remain at the scene as they try to determine the cause of the blaze.
The fire damaged a dozen expensive cars in the showroom.
Victoria Police spokeswoman Creina O’Grady said the southbound lanes of Spencer St between Dudley St and Stanley St were to be closed until about lunchtime.
A fire broke out at a Spencer St car dealer. Picture: Mike Keating
She said a “crime scene guard” was present at the scene.
No one was injured and MFB spokesman Norm Henderson said about 10 people had been inside and evacuated themselves.
About 50 firefighters battled the blaze, which is believed to have caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage.
A fire broke out at a Spencer St car dealer. Picture: Mike Keating
Crews were called to the fire about 8.30pm and were still pumping water to the two-storey concrete and steel building more than two hours later.
Mr Henderson said the fire was contained to an office section in the building’s top floor, which was filled with files, papers and tyres.
Firefighters had difficulty accessing the area due to heavy smoke and the structural integrity of a rear wall.
About 50 firefighters battled the blaze. Picture: Jon Hargest
A huge cloud of black smoke covered the block last night, as two ladder platforms poured water on the roof while hoses attacked the flames from multiple angles.
Dozens of curious passers-by stood around to watch.
No comments:
Post a Comment