Man arrested following Thomastown arson attack

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Police have arrested a man following an arson attack at a reception centre in Thomastown last week.

A search warrant was executed at a residential address in St Albans shortly before 9am this morning.

A 20-year-old St Albans man was taken into custody and will now be interviewed by police.

He is expected to be charged with two counts of criminal damage by fire, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, theft of motor vehicle and commit indictable offence whilst on bail.

The warrant follows an incident on February 22 where emergency services were called to reports of a fire at a reception centre on Settlement Road, Thomastown shortly after 6am.

Police will allege a man exited a stolen Ford Ranger in the carpark of a business next door to the reception centre around 5.50am.

The man allegedly sets the premises alight, before fleeing the scene in the same vehicle which is later found burnt out on Nathan Court, Bundoora about 6.25am.

Nobody was physically injured during the incident, but the building sustained significant damage.

Investigators believe the venue was likely targeted due to an event scheduled to be held there.

Taskforce Lunar Detective Inspector Graham Banks said they’d seen a number of significant arsons occur over the last week and he can fully understand the community’s concern.

“Our investigations into all of the incidents are progressing,” he said.

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.