Cities often sleep lightly. Even in the quietest hours, lights remain on somewhere, and lives continue behind windows above the street. In Melbourne’s Docklands precinct, that fragile calm was broken when a restaurant was allegedly targeted in an arson attack.

Victoria Police said offenders allegedly smashed glass doors at the Almina Lebanese restaurant on Docklands Drive around 3:30 a.m., entered the venue, poured accelerant inside, and set it alight. The fire caused damage before being extinguished.

Police later arrested three suspects: a 16-year-old boy from the Glen Eira area, a 22-year-old man from Fitzroy North, and a 19-year-old man from Collingwood.

Authorities said the teenager and the 22-year-old were charged with criminal damage by fire, reckless conduct endangering life, and burglary. Both were remanded in custody, while the 19-year-old was released pending further investigation.

The seriousness of the allegations was heightened by the building’s location beneath residential apartments. Courts heard concerns that the incident could have carried grave consequences had conditions been different.

Investigators are also reviewing whether the matter is linked to a broader series of attacks on licensed premises across inner Melbourne. Operation Eclipse was established to examine organized criminal activity believed connected to recent incidents.

Restaurant fires strike beyond property loss. They affect workers, nearby residents, suppliers, and neighborhoods that rely on ordinary evening trade. Hospitality venues are often social rooms for a city, not merely businesses.

As the legal process begins, the facts will be tested in court. Allegations remain allegations until proven.

Police inquiries are continuing as authorities assess any broader links to other recent arson incidents in Melbourne.

AI Image Disclaimer: Some accompanying images may be AI-generated reconstructions for illustrative use only.

Sources: Victoria Police, Herald Sun, News.com.au