Melbourne Nightclub Club Dakota Fire-Bombed

Club Dakota nightclub, in the outer Melbourne suburb of Ringwood, was burned to the ground early hours of May 23.

Footage indicated that it may have been fire-bombed. Witnesses said they saw a dark coloured vehicle flee the scene.

Up to 45 fire fighters battled the blaze after the alarm was raised at 2.45 am. No one was in the building, but it caused A$1 million (US$720,000) worth of damage inside, as well as to two adjoining shops. A statement from Victoria Police confirmed the entire venue was ablaze by the time they arrived. It is believed that the club was up for sale and its owners were abroad.