Now a Sikh temple targeted by arsonist in Melbourne

Sikh temple targeted by arsonist
ANDRA JACKSON
January 14, 2010 - 1:42PM

Police are investigating an overnight fire that damaged a partially constructed Sikh temple in Melbourne's south-east.

Firefighters were called to the temple on Evans Road in Lynbrook early yesterday morning by a neighbour who noticed an intruder inside the building.

Firefighters arrived at about 12.30am to find three bonfires had been lit. They were extinguished in a short time, a CFA spokeswoman said.

A fireman said that three seats had been set alight and some damage had been caused but it would have been far worse had the building been completed

A police spokeswoman said investigators believed a teenager seen in the area might be responsible.

"They said it does not appear to be of a racial nature," the spokeswoman said.

Master Darshan Singh, the president of the Sri Guru Nanak Satsang temple in Blackburn, said it was the second incident at a Sikh temple in recent weeks and the community was "very concerned and very worried. The situation is not improving."

"These are race related. I do not believe the recent murders are. That can happened to anyone but this was definitely an effort that is race related," he said.

Mr Singh said that following yesterday's fire he had contacted Nunawading police and requested security measures to protect the Blackburn temple.

With thanks : Source : http://www.theage.com.au/national/sikh-temple-targeted-by-arsonist-20100114-m8rf.html

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