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AAP
AAP
National
Allanah Sciberras

Police probe kidnapping link and hospitality attacks

Police have made arrests over a string of alleged violent crimes targeting hospitality venues. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

Three teenage boys are facing multiple charges over alleged attacks on hospitality club promoters potentially linked to inner-city venue violence.

Police executed search warrants at multiple properties in Melbourne's northwest on Wednesday where they arrested and charged three 17-year-old boys. 

It's alleged the trio had targeted promoters for an event held on Saturday nights at a licensed venue in South Melbourne. 

The teens have been charged over six incidents, including an attempted kidnapping in Templestowe on April 9, an aggravated home invasion at the same address the next day, and attempted aggravated carjackings and home invasions in Wollert.

The trio, who were all on bail at the time of offending, will appear in a children's court at a later date.

Jason Kelly
Jason Kelly says police are probing all leads over the attacks on hospitality venues. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)

Detectives will work with Operation Eclipse officers to determine whether the incidents are linked to a wider series of arson attacks across the city.

Operation Eclipse, formed on Tuesday, is investigating the motivation behind 15 incidents involving hospitality venues across inner Melbourne since April 14.

Eleven were fires or attempted arsons in the CBD, South Melbourne and Prahran entertainment precincts.

Detective Superintendent Jason Kelly told reporters on Tuesday said it wasn't clear whether the attacks were the beginning of an illegal alcohol trade war.

"That's the million-dollar question," he told reporters.

"Everything is on the table."

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