A suspected drive-by shooting targeted a crowded bar in Melbourne’s South Yarra, leaving patrons unharmed but heightening fears in the city’s nightlife district. The incident occurred just before 2 a.m. on Sunday when a vehicle pulled up outside The Emerson, fired several shots, and sped away.
Second Attack on The Emerson
Investigators remained on site into the morning, urging witnesses to share any information or footage. This marks the second assault on the venue in recent weeks, following a suspected arson attack in the early hours of April 15 that forced its closure for the subsequent weekend.
Wave of Arson Attacks Across Venues
Nearby, another hospitality spot on Chapel Street suffered a suspected arson on Sunday. Emergency services responded around 5 a.m. after reports of a male suspect igniting the building and fleeing on foot.
Bar Up on Chapel Street also faced a similar arson attempt that day. Separately, police charged three teenage boys—aged 17, 16, and 15—with arson at Bambi, a city center venue, on Saturday morning. Council staff spotted a suspicious vehicle via safety cameras near Flinders and ACDC lanes around 5 a.m., alerting officers who pursued and arrested the suspects. This was the second arson at Bambi in April. The teens face charges including criminal damage by fire, burglary, and motor vehicle theft, with court appearances scheduled later in a children’s court.
Linked Incidents Under Investigation
The Arson and Explosives Squad seeks public help for a series of connected attacks on Melbourne’s hospitality venues. These include a factory fire at an alcohol distribution center in Keysborough on Thursday night and two suspected kidnappings.
Detective Inspector Chris Murray stated, “At this stage, the motive for the incidents remains unclear. We have not had any reported extortions from any of the owners of the venues which have been subjected to arson or attempted arson.”
Authorities continue probing the violence plaguing late-night spots, which also involves firebombings and kidnappings in recent months.
