Police have arrested several men at a Bandidos outlaw motorcycle gang clubhouse in Ballarat as part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged Melbourne arson attack earlier this month.
Detectives from Taskforce Echo, established to tackle crime involving outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCGs), executed several warrants in the Ballarat area today in relation to multiple incidents.
One of the warrants was executed this morning at the Bandidos OMCG clubhouse at Greenbank Court in Delacombe.
Several people have been arrested, including a 32-year-old man police say is a patched member of the Bandidos OMCG.
The investigation comes after a botched alleged arson attack at a tobacconist in Melbourne’s west on September 3.
Emergency services were initially called shortly after 2:50am to the tobacco shop near the corner of High and Alexandra streets in Melton was on fire.
Police say one offender fled the scene following the attack, leaving his injured partner at the scene. (ABC News: Georgia Lenton-Williams)
CCTV from the scene shows a ute reversing into the building, before two men get out with what appears to be jerry cans full of fuel.
A few moments later, a ball of flame engulfs both men.
First responders located a man with significant burns nearby who was subsequently airlifted to the Alfred Hospital.
The 23-year-old man remains in a critical condition with what police have described as life-altering burns to both his upper and lower body.