By CASEY NEILL AND CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS
POLICE are yet to lay charges over an arson spree in Springvale last Monday night.
Greater Dandenong CIU Acting Detective Sergeant Luke Kirton said they had interviewed a 49-year-old Springvale man over at least four blazes, but had released him pending further inquiries.
“We’re reviewing CCTV footage and the investigation is ongoing,” he said.
Springvale’s former police station and court house on Royal Avenue were set alight about 9.30pm on 17 February.
The buildings are vacant and expected to be demolished to make way for a residential development.
Neighbour Joe Rechichi discovered large flames coming from the site as he drove home.
“As I turned the corner, I saw there were all these flames near my house,” he said.
“I ran around my fence line to check no sparks had got into my firewood before I went to bed.
“The front of the police station is well and truly gutted.
“If the court house was put on fire, first my house would have gone.
“I would have been devastated. It was a bit close to home.”
Mr Rechichi said fencing needed to be erected around the abandoned sites to keep out trouble-makers or curious young people.
“It’s a very busy street – they’ve got to make sure no one gets injured,” he said.
“I’m glad the fire brigade put out the fire quickly. Thank God we have people like that in the community. They did a great job.”
Greater Dandenong CIU Detective Senior Constable Ash Penry said the fire bug pushed rubbish bins against the buildings and set the contents alight to start the first fires.
Fires at the rear of adjoining businesses in Springvale Road followed about 10.20pm, and another in Warwick Avenue about 10.35pm.
Dog Squad and uniform members arrested a man in nearby Kintore Street about 10.50pm.
Acting Det Sgt Kirton urged any witnesses to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
