Arsonist on the run after fire at DeNiro’s restaurant

Gold Coast restaurant DeNiro’s Cucina & Lounge Bar at Hope Island Rd has been targeted in a suspected arson attack.

Police were called to the venue shortly before 11pm on Friday after a man poured an accelerant, believed to be petrol, through the venue and attempted to set fire to the premises.

The man fled the scene on a motorbike.

The venue, solely directed by former bankrupt and drag car champion John Cannuli, is subject to a wind-up order over a debt.

The quick actions of emergency services teams meant there was no serious damage done to the venue.

Criminal Investigation Branch detectives based at Coomera are now searching for the arsonist.

“Initial investigations indicate that just before 11pm, a man has entered the business on Hope Island Road and used an accelerant, in an attempt to set the premises on fire, before leaving the scene on a motorbike,” a spokesperson said.

“The fire was quickly extinguished, and no one was injured during the incident.

“A crime scene has been established and police are treating the fire as suspicious.

“Anyone with information or vision that could assist with ongoing inquiries, is urged to contact police.”

The wind up order came after DeNiro’s underwent renovations before a grand reopening on February 23 this year.

The owner allegedly failed to pay a carpet company.

Despite this the restaurant remained open for business and was “busier than ever”.

Cannuli is not accused of lighting the fire.

Jonathan Jackson, 20^th May 2024