On 5th March 2012, the Community Centre situated at Mockridge Road Clarendon Vale was badly damaged by fire.  The newly operational $5 million complex sustained approximately $100,000 damage as a result of the deliberately lit fire.  Witnesses observed youths running from the complex at the time.

As a result of investigations conducted by the ICARUS Arson Task Force, Eastern District Criminal Investigation Branch, a 13 year old youth from Clarendon Vale was interviewed today.

The youth admitted to lighting the fire that resulted in the building damage and he will be prosecuted in relation to arson and will attend court at a later date.

"Structure fires or Arsons like this, risk the lives of those responding to extinguish the fires," said Detective Lang.

 "This fire resulted in the community sustaining substantial loss of money, which in the circumstances could have been substantially worse, had the fire not been quickly extinguished.  Fortunately, a youth has been apprehended and further enquiries are occurring in relation to the other youth involved.

"The assistance of the public in resolving this crime was greatly appreciated and was beneficial to the investigation," she said. 

Should members of the public have further information in relation to this arson, they are asked to contact Detective Lang at the Eastern District Criminal Investigation Branch on 6230 2318, or Crime Stoppers and leave the information anonymously on 1800 333 000 – there is the possibility of a reward for information provided.

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