Arsonist arrested after fire damages Murray Bridge medical practice
Police have made an arrest after an arson attack at the Murray Bridge Day and Night Surgery, but they're still investigating the theft of boat parts from a local business.
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Police have arrested a man believed responsible for an arson attack at a Murray Bridge GP clinic over the weekend.
Detectives arrested a 33-year-old local man on Monday, charged him with two counts of arson, and denied him bail ahead of a court appearance on Tuesday.
The Murray Bridge Day and Night Surgery, on Adelaide Road, had been damaged by fire around 1.30am on Sunday after someone set a wheelie bin alight and placed it against the building.
The fire took out an electrical switchboard, spread into a wall cavity and caused smoke damage in the clinic’s reception area – about $30,000 worth in total.
However, eight firefighters were able to prevent the blaze from spreading further throughout the $5 million building.
Thanks to further heroic efforts by staff and tradespeople, the clinic was still able to open its doors as usual on Monday morning.
In a Facebook post, its management gave a “massive shoutout” to all the workers who had come out on a Sunday to repair the clinic, and thanked everyone else who had helped.
They encouraged patients to be patient with the clinic’s staff; and suggested that anyone with breathing difficulties phone reception from the car park before entering the building.
Several other nearby bins were also set on fire early on Sunday morning, according to SA Police, including one at the KFC across the road.
Anyone who saw or heard anything in the area at the time – or who might have CCTV or dashcam footage – should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestopperssa.com.au.
Information can be passed on anonymously.
A number of similar fires have been reported in Murray Bridge in recent months.
Bicycle thief swaps for something better
Meanwhile, have you a Norco mountain bike like the one pictured above, with dual suspension and gold clamps on the handlebars?
One was stolen from outside a business on Adelaide Road, Murray Bridge around 7pm on Tuesday.
Oddly, the thief – a male, seen riding away – left an older Standish bicycle in its place.
Anyone with information about the theft should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestopperssa.com.au.
Boat propellors stolen from Adelaide Road business
Some numpty has stolen several motor boat propellors and drive shafts from another business on Adelaide Road, Murray Bridge.
The thief or thieves also took a jockey wheel from a trailer, but otherwise left the trailer and boat engines intact.
A shed belonging to the business was broken into sometime between 3pm on Friday and 8.30am on Saturday.
Anyone with information about the theft should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestopperssa.com.au.
Don’t drive on a suspended licence
Finally, a Karoonda man has been reported on Swanport Road, Murray Bridge for allegedly driving while his licence was suspended.
Police pulled the 32-year-old over on Sunday.
He will face a hearing at Murray Bridge Magistrates Court over the alleged offence.
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