Vietnamese restaurant targeted in fire ‘attack’
It was like a scene from a movie when a group of men in motorcycle helmets set a Sydney restaurant on fire before fleeing the scene.
The men used an accelerant to ignite the fire, which damaged Vietnamese bar and restaurant Saigon Hustle.
Emergency services were called to the Smithfield venue at about 3.20am Monday, with two Fire and Rescue NSW crews on scene to extinguish the blaze.
No one was injured in the fire.
Police are looking for a white SUV which had approximately four people inside.
Fairfield Police Area Command Detective superintendent Michael McLean said, “Given the nature of the incident, yes it’s clear it’s a targeted attack. We are unable to confirm a motive, but we are talking with the restaurant owner.
“They are co-operating and there nothing to suggest any involvement,” McLean said.
Fortunately, the damage was not extensive but could have been much worse as firebombs were thrown.
Neighbouring Frangos was also affected. General manager Jorge Silva was forced to delay opening on Tuesday as police finished their investigation.
“I heard firebombs were thrown … I could see the burn marks on the windows and the roof,” he said.
“I couldn’t put my chairs and tables out. We had to wait for the investigators to come and finish.”
Silva said the area was usually safe.
“It’s not usually a violent area and I don’t usually see much happening it’s really quiet so it’s a bit surprising,” he said.
Irit Jackson, 30th March 2023
