Revellers in Melbourne terrorised by late-night violence after shots fired into a popular bar

By MELISSA MEEHAN FOR AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATED PRESS Published: 02:32, 26 April 2026 | Updated: 02:35, 26 April 2026 Revellers were lucky to escape injury during a suspected drive-by shooting at a busy bar. The attack follows a wave of firebombings, shootings and kidnappings that have plagued Melbourne's late-night hospitality scene over recent months. Police are investigating after a car reportedly pulled up outside South Yarra's The Emerson just before 2am on Sunday. Several shots were fired before the vehicle drove away. Investigators were still at the scene later in the morning and police have called on anyone with any information about or footage of the attack to come forward. It's the second known attack on the venue in recent weeks after the bar was targeted in a suspected arson attack in the early hours of April 15. As a result of that fire, the venue was forced to close for the following weekend. Another venue, in nearby Chapel Street, also fell victim to a suspected arson attack on Sunday. Police are investigating after a car reportedly pulled up outside South Yarra's The Emerson just before 2am on Sunday Emergency crews were called to the licensed premises just before 5am following reports a male offender had set fire to the building before fleeing on foot. Police also charged three teenage boys over an alleged arson attack at a venue in Melbourne's city centre on Saturday. Melbourne City Council staff spotted a suspicious vehicle on safety cameras near the corner of Flinders and ACDC lanes, notifying police shortly after 5am. Officers quickly arrived at the scene and found the front of licensed venue Bambi alight. Police chased down two offenders and arrested another nearby. It's the second suspected arson attack on the venue in April. They were later charged with a swathe of charges, including criminal damage by fire, burglary and theft of motor vehicle. The trio, aged 17, 16 and 15, are expected to appear before a children's court at a later date. Bar Up, in nearby Chapel Street, also fell victim to a suspected arson attack on Sunday The Arson and Explosives Squad have called for public assistance over a series of apparently linked incidents at hospitality venues across metropolitan Melbourne. Detective Inspector Chris Murray recently noted the arson attacks, including a factory fire at an alcohol distribution centre in Keysborough on Thursday night. He said there had also been two kidnappings that police believed might be linked to the incidents. 'At this stage, the motive for the incidents remains unclear,' Det Insp Murray said. 'We have not had any reported extortions from any of the owners of the venues which have been subjected to arson or attempted arson.' Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.