Bail denied for pair accused of torching Melbourne restaurant

Sunday, 3 May 2026 08:17

The pair allegedly smashed in the glass doors of the restaurant before setting it on fire.

Two people have been denied bail after they were charged over the alleged firebombing of a Docklands restaurant.

Police allege Barry Hsikia, 22, and a 16-year-old boy who can't be named for legal reasons smashed through glass doors at the Almina restaurant on Docklands Drive at about 3.30am yesterday.

They then allegedly poured accelerant inside the restaurant, before setting it on fire and fleeing the scene.

The restaurant was set on fire yesterday morning.

The restaurant was lightly damaged but the glass doors remain boarded up.

The pair allegedly attempted to get into a stolen car but were disturbed by police who were patrolling the area.

They allegedly attempted to run from the scene, but were found hiding under the Bolte Bridge in Ron Barassi Snr Park.

They were arrested, along with a third male who was found in a car on Docklands Drive.

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It is not known if the fire is linked to several recent attacks on Melbourne hospitality venues.

Inside the car, police seized jerry cans.

A boy, 16, and a 22-year-old man were each charged with criminal damage by fire, reckless conduct endangering life and burglary.

The boy appeared before a children's court today and was denied bail.

The 22-year-old man, named by the court as Hsikia, appeared before Melbourne Magistrates Court today and was denied bail.

Police allege Hsikia threw three mobile phones into the Yarra River as he attempted to run from police.

When he was eventually arrested, police said he gave a "no comment" interview.

A third man was released on summons.

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The scars from the attack are still seen at the restaurant, with glass doors being smashed in.

Police are now investigating whether this attack is linked to a spate of recent firebombings and shootings on Melbourne hospitality venues.

Any motive for the attacks is not known but police believe they are being coordinated by an organised crime syndicate, which is using encrypted apps to recruit people, sometimes children.

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