Updated May 6, 2026 — 10:13am,first published May 6, 2026 — 8:39am
Save
You have reached your maximum number of saved items.
Remove items from your saved list to add more.
AAA
A Melbourne car dealership managed by a former Married At First Sight star was firebombed early Wednesday morning, becoming the latest victim in 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.
Some 30 firefighters responded to the suspicious, early morning fire. Jason South
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 was unaware 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”.
The Chery dealership, owned by a former reality-TV contestant, had opened only five days ago. Nine News
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.
Save
You have reached your maximum number of saved items.
Remove items from your saved list to add more.
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.From our partners