Firebomb strike

By Danielle Galvin
POLICE are investigating whether two firebomb attacks on a family home and florist in Pakenham are revenge attacks linked to the defunct Kids Outdoors business.
The bomb squad raced to the Pakenham Main Street Florist Shop late on Tuesday morning after two devices were found.
The discovery came hours after a firebomb attack on a Lakeside home which caught the garage on fire and burned the side of the house.
The unknowing young family moved into the home in late November and were none the wiser that the former occupants were the owners of the now defunct Pakenham Kids Outdoors.
Police believe it was a misguided revenge attack by customers affected by the collapse of the cubby business.
“At 2.20am last night, police drove past a residence in Lakeside Pakenham and saw flames coming from the front window.
“Police were doing a routine patrol of the area,” Senior Sergeant Graeme Higginbotham said.
“The flames were rising very quickly and police used a fire extinguisher and garden hose to put out the fire. A short while later the CFA arrived.”
Acting Sergeant Bob Merlino was at the scene and said the bomb squad was called as a precaution. “Police have been here since 10am,” he said.
Pedestrians were told to cross the road and the area was cordoned off as the bomb squad robot handled the devices.
“The devices were found overnight at the shop,” Sgt Merlino said.
Pakenham police are investigating if the two incidents are linked.
Sen Sgt Higginbotham warned angry customers and frustrated parents affected by the Kids Outdoors saga not to take matters into their own hands.
“At this stage, we are asking people to be aware that the address that has been targeted is in no way associated with the Kids Outdoors,” Sen Sgt Higginbotham said.
“These people are in no way involved in it and have nothing to do with the former owners.”
Home owner Greg Davis said the “fireworks” exploded at the side of his new home.
“We didn’t know the (previous) owners, we found out after we bought it. Since then we’ve had quite a few visitors,” he said.
Mr Davis said he wanted people to know that he was not involved with the owners of Kids Outdoors, which went into receivership last week. He contacted the police to put an end to the intimidating visits.
“We’ve got little kids, we don’t want them woken up at 3am. The police told us it could get worse,” he said.
Pakenham police urged anyone to come forward with information about the house fire. “No one was injured and the two occupants were safely removed, but this could have been very dangerous and potentially life-threatening,” Sen Sgt Higginbotham said. Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Pakenham police.