Torched car may hold explosion clues

Detectives say escaping arsonists may have been responsible for destroying this car. 150307

VICTORIA Police’s bike taskforce is investigating whether a burnt-out car found in Hallam is linked to the suspicious overnight fire at the Kittens strip club in Caulfield South.
The burnt-out BMW was found in Basil Close just before 6am on Tuesday 16 February and came after an explosion and fire gutted the Glen Huntly Road strip club about three hours earlier.
A neighbour said she heard three bangs and saw flames from her bedroom window about 5.30am before she called the fire brigade.
However, she didn’t see anyone at the scene.
“It’s not a very well lit court,” she said.
Detectives have been told that a ‘pop’ was heard in the vicinity of Kittens just after 3am.
The light-coloured BMW is not listed as stolen but police are working to establish a link between the discovery and reports that a car was heard idling in a laneway behind the strip club.
Taskforce detectives are appealing for witnesses or for anyone with information about the fire or the car to come forward.
There have been two previous attacks targeting another Kittens strip club in South Melbourne since November.
Anyone with information about the explosion is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or submit a confidential crime report to www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.