EXCLUSIVE
A branch of a popular gourmet burger chain whose owner was heavily criticized for raising slogans at a pro-Palestinian rally has burned down, with police saying they are treating the fire as “suspicious”.
Burgertory’s Caulfield branch in Melbourne’s south-east burned down at around 4am on Friday. No one was inside at the time.
Footage from the scene showed firefighters putting out the blaze which appeared to have engulfed the restaurant.
Hash Tayeh, the founder of the hamburger chain, had been criticized in recent weeks for shouting “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” during a rally in Melbourne.
Burgertory’s Caulfield branch in Melbourne’s south-east burned down at around 4am on Friday (pictured)
Many interpret this song as a call for the destruction of Israel. Mr Tayeh vehemently denies being anti-Semitic and has since said he has the deepest sympathy for civilian victims in Palestine and Israel.
A Victoria Police spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia detectives were currently investigating the fire.
“Emergency services were called to the fire on Glenhuntly Road just after 4.15am,” the spokesperson said.
“There was no one inside at the time. The exact cause of the fire is under investigation but is considered suspicious at this stage.
“Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV, dashcam footage or any other information that could assist police is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
More soon.
