Chery car dealership run by Married At First Sight (MAFS) contestant James Susler firebombed in Port Melbourne
Updated ,first published
A Melbourne car dealership run by a veteran We Married at First Sight The Star was bombed in the early hours of Wednesday morning, becoming the latest victim of an almost daily arson attack in the city.
Firefighters were called to the Chery car dealership in Plummer Street, Port Melbourne, at around 4.50am and found the showroom filled with smoke. 30 firefighters, including an aerial unit, worked to extinguish the blaze at 5:23 a.m.
A Fire Rescue Victoria spokesman said the fire was being treated as suspicious and Victoria Police’s arson squad would be investigating. “Fire crews will remain at the scene to ensure the fire is completely extinguished,” he said.
A police spokesman said the exact circumstances have not been established and anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers. No one was injured in the attack and Plummer Street was closed in both directions.
The franchise is owned by entrepreneur and Season 8 contestant James Susler. 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 wasn’t aware why the dealership would be targeted.
“This is not the best or ideal situation. We will grow and become stronger,” he told Nine News.
The dealership had not received any prior threats, and a security guard hired to protect the business had witnessed the attack.
It is unclear whether detectives from Victoria Police’s specialist Operation Eclipse task force are investigating whether this incident is linked to a series of attempted firebombings and arson attacks on Melbourne nightlife venues by organized crime gang “The Cartel”.
The gang sent messages to venue owners warning that the attacks were aimed at taking their businesses, their families and their “souls”. The majority of arrests made by Victoria Police so far involve teenage boys who were allegedly paid a small fee to carry out attacks on behalf of the gang.
On Tuesday, Melbourne nightclub La Di Da was the target of an early morning arson attack and the Bodyline brothel in Yarraville was the subject of a drive-by shooting.
Susler has been contacted for comment.
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Angus Delaney is a reporter for The Age. Email him at angus.delaney@theage.com.au or contact him securely on Signal at angusdelaney.31.Connect via email.
