Decades-old restaurant fire case heats up as mystery caller holds clue
Victorian Police are reviewing a decades old restaurant fire that resulted in one body being found after a mystery caller twice contacted police anonymously.
Efficient Ships in Toorak burnt to the ground in 1991, with firefighters discovering the body of Clement David, a 22-year-old Malaysian student who was friends with the family who owned the café, in the kitchen.
Police believed that David was involved in starting the fire, but also suspected more people were involved in the planning.
Police have been contacted twice over the past two years by a person who provided information about other people possibly involved in the fire.
They are appealing for that person to come forward again now the case is being reviewed.
"As a result of this information, a decision was made to review this case and hopefully casting fresh eyes over it will make all the difference," Officer in Charge of the Arson and Explosives Squad, Detective Inspector Glenn Harriss said.
"It's been almost 30 years since it happened but this highlights to us that there are still people out there who know why the fire was started and who was involved.
"I think the fact they have been in touch twice also shows they are interested in seeing that person or persons brought to justice, so I am asking them to contact police again so we can find out more about what they know.
"This case is absolutely still active and ongoing and we're hopeful of finally being able to have some answers."
Sheridan Randall, 14th October 2019
