By ALESHA CAPONE
A MAN has been arrested after allegedly lighting five fires – including a blaze which destroyed a Scout hall – near the Laverton Railway Station last Tuesday.
Detective Senior Constable Matt Lewis from Hobsons Bay CIU said a Laverton resident, aged 34, was arrested at the scene at around 9.30pm.
The male was taken to the Altona North Police Station and charged with a count of arson, a count of attempted arson and five accounts of reckless conduct endangering life.
Det Sen Const Lewis said several MFB fire-fighters battled the blazes on either side of the railway line, including one around 300 metres from the train station.
“The MFB attended and they were basically going from fire to fire,” he said.
“I believe six fire trucks and approximately 24 fire-fighters were there.”
The fires were started at different spots near Maher Rd and also the Scout hall on Railway Parade.
“It pretty much gutted out the First Laverton Air Scouts Group Hall,” Det Sen Const Lewis said.
Det Sen Const Lewis said the alleged firebug was caught when a group of witnesses walking along Maher Rd called police and flagged down a police vehicle travelling past.
“He had allegedly lit four and was trying to light a fifth when four people saw him,” Det Sen Const Lewis said.
The alleged offender was taken to Sunshine Magistrates’ Court where an application was made to have him remanded in custody.
Anyone who witnessed the fires or can provide information can contact Hobsons Bay CIU on 9392 3284.
