Luxury cars at a dealership in suburban Adelaide have been destroyed in an arson attack that staff believe was racially motivated.
Key points:
- Staff at the Somerton Park business believe the attack was racially motivated
- Four cars were set on fire at the dealership
- Police said it was too early to “speculate as to motive”
Two cars were destroyed and two others damaged in the fire that started about 5:45am at Motor Hut car yard on Brighton Road in beachside Somerton Park.
Graffiti sprayed on the walls of the business stated “go home” and “f*** off”.
Speaking on behalf of the business, saleswoman Hannah Paine said some of her colleagues were from Pakistan, India and Afghanistan.
She said the incident was “concerning and upsetting”.
“When people come along who clearly have zero morals and attack, or try to attack, contributing members of society, it is hurtful.”
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An SA Police spokeswoman said it was “too early in the investigation to speculate as to motive”.
The written-off Mercedes and BMW were being sold for $189,000 and $85,000 respectively.
A member of the public raised the alarm early this morning.
Senior Constable Mick Abbott said a man was seen “lurking around” the area just before the fire.
“We’re asking anyone that may have any information regarding the incident to call Crime Stoppers,” he said.
Traffic on Brighton Road was diverted for about two hours after the fire.
