POLICE HUNT CAFE ARSONIST

Figures seen leaving area after incident

POLICE believe a cafe fire in Mt Lofty on Friday night was the work of an arsonist.

The fire destroyed large amounts of stock and damaged the inside of popular venue Burrow.

Police are seeking public help after it was reported two people were seen leaving the scene.

The cafe’s owners are at a loss as to why they were targeted.

TOOWOOMBA police are appealing for witnesses after a suspicious fire at Burrow cafe on Friday night.

Police and fire crews were called to the scene of a structure fire, on the corner of Bridge and Stuart Sts, shortly before 9pm.

Two Queensland Fire and Emergency Service crews fought the fire for an hour, extinguishing it at 10pm. Police declared a crime scene shortly after.

Detective Senior Sergeant Brian Collins said forensic investigations had revealed it may have been deliberately lit.

“It is believed that there were two figures that were seen leaving the area at the time. We are calling for people who may have seen one or possibly two people in that Bridge and Stuart Sts area at the time,” Snr Sgt Collins said.

“At this stage indications would appear that there possibly was an accelerant used.

“We believe there are possibly two seats to the fire and investigations are still continuing.”

Snr Sgt Collins said police were looking for dashcam footage of the incident.

“Given that it was Carnival of Flowers weekend, there may have been people driving around who may possibly have dash camera (footage) that could assist with our enquiries,” Snr Sgt Collins said.

“We don’t understand why it has been lit. All indications reveal that it has, to date, been a successful business.

“The owners are obviously very upset and they want to have the matter solved as quickly as we do.”

He said businesses were rarely a target for fires in Toowoomba.

Burrow co-owner Clemence Demouzon said although the kitchen and coffee maker went untouched by the blaze, they lost a large amount of stock and the inside walls were damaged by smoke.

“Who know why these people did it. Did they something against us or is it just because these things happen?” Ms Demouzon said.

“It’s very strange. If there is someone doing something bad out there it would be nice if they could find them so it doesn’t happen again.”

Repairs would take close to a month.

If you have any information, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Photo: Bev Lacey DAMAGE DONE: Furniture and part of the cafe’s wall lie among the wreckage after a fire burnt through Burrow in Mt Lofty on Friday night. Police are now searching for suspects.

Photo: Alexia Austin INVESTIGATIONS CONTINUE: Burrow cafe will remain closed until further notice as police hunt for information on the suspicious fire.