Two teenage boys are facing arson charges after a large fire destroyed a popular restaurant on a busy city dining strip.
Police allege the boys, aged 16 and 17, brought jerry cans to Soho Restaurant and Bar on Riverside Quay in Melbourne about 4.20am on Friday.
The teens allegedly started the fire before attempting to damage a neighbouring business.
The pair fled in a silver Nissan Patrol but were arrested nearby by detectives.
Arson and explosives squad Detective Inspector Chris Murray told reporters on Friday the teens were not believed to have gang links and could have been responding to "crime tasker" - the criminal equivalent of AirTasker.
"These young kids are being used as cannon fodder," he said.
The teens have been charged with offences including criminal damage by fire (arson), attempted criminal damage by fire (arson) and possessing a controlled weapon.
They were remanded to appear at a children's court on Saturday.
Police continue to urge revellers to keep an eye out for suspicious behaviour following a string of arson attacks on hospitality venues in the past week, including at Southbank.
At least seven licensed premises across Melbourne have been targeted.
Business owners were co-operating with police and had not reported any extortion attempts, Det Insp Murray said.
