Arson Suspected at Heritage Mosque, Muslim Business Also Targeted

0:00Firefighters rushed to a suspicious blaze at a 160-year-old heritage building in Kilmore, north of Melbourne, on Tuesday shortly before, 2pm. The former church on Palette Street was under conversion into a mosque by the local Islamic Community Center. Crews contained the flames in just 20 minutes, but the structure suffered major damage. No one was inside at the time. Police quickly declared it a crime scene and launched an investigation. The building dates back to 1858 and holds historical value. Officials noted it's often visited by trespassers since falling into disrepair. Community leaders expressed concern over the incident. Ekrem Fuldagli from the Islamic Center called it deliberate, pointing to growing tensions and Islamophobia in the area. He said it has delayed their renovation dreams, though he's grateful no one was hurt. Meanwhile, detectives are looking into a separate fire the night before at a Muslim owned business on Sydney Street in Kilmore. That blaze was also put out quickly, with no links confirmed yet between the two events.

1:04Police maintain either. Fire appears targeted, but they're digging deeper into both cases as the community awaits answers. Adelaide News Today, powered by AI bringing you what matters.