Four fires which started after stolen cars loaded with fuel and tyres were driven into Sydney properties, including one owned by a building union, are believed to be linked. The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) headquarters was set alight on May 13, 2010. The fire was similar to earlier arson attacks at a Fairfield business and a Bellevue Hill property development, the NSW Coroner’s Court heard on Monday. Detective Inspector Richard Puffett says each fire “involved some hostilities, conflicts, with the Southern Cross Rigging and Construction Company”. Flashback: CFMEU State Secretary Andrew Ferguson surveys the damage. Flashback: CFMEU State Secretary Andrew Ferguson surveys the damage. Source: News Limited The vehicle was set on fire leaving considerable damage to the building. The vehicle was set on fire leaving considerable damage to the building. Source: News Limited The court heard that the owners of that construction company, Mark and Khalil Merhi, went overseas this year. Mark Merhi had a “hostile meeting” with the CFMEU the day before a stolen car, loaded with fuel, was driven into the CFMEU’s Lidcombe building, counsel assisting the coroner Ian Bourke SC said. “They were an act of arson,” Mr Bourke said during his opening address. The CFMEU state headquarters in Lidcombe. The CFMEU state headquarters in Lidcombe. Source: News Limited The damage inside can be seen once the car was removed. The damage inside can be seen once the car was removed. Source: News Limited The first arson attack happened at a business on Seville Street, Fairfield, in February 2006, after complaints against spray painting work at the adjoining Southern Cross Rigging and Construction premises were escalated to council. While still in dispute with their neighbours, the Fairfield business was again set alight in March 2009. The fires caused about $5 million damage. In late May 2009, a five-apartment development at Bellevue Hill in Sydney’s eastern suburbs was burnt in the same manner as the Fairfield business. The owner had recently cancelled a contract with Southern Cross Rigging and Construction. Both Merhi brothers deny any knowledge of how the fires were started. No one was injured in any of the fires. The inquiry is due to continue until Friday. Originally published as Massive Sydney property fires ‘were linked’
Posted on: Mon, 08 Dec 2014 06:02:12 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015