Brothel targeted in latest attack on Melbourne hospitality venue
A brothel in Melbourne’s south has become the latest hospitality venue in the city to come under attack, with police investigating whether it is linked to dozens of firebombings or shootings in recent months.
Police were called to Gotham City on Clarke Street in South Melbourne just before 2am after it was reported shots were fired towards the establishment.

Shots rang out from a moving vehicle late last night, with the perpetrators quickly fleeing the scene. Despite the chaos, no one on the street or inside the nearby venue suffered any injuries. The bullets, however, did strike a parked car and a roller door, leaving a trail of damage in their wake.

The shots were fired just before 2am this morning at the brothel in South Melbourne.
The shots were fired just before 2am this morning. (Nine)

At this time, authorities have not confirmed the number of individuals involved in the shooting, nor do they have a description of the vehicle used in the crime. Police remain stationed at the location, diligently gathering evidence and piecing together the sequence of events.

Investigators are exploring potential connections between this incident and a series of recent attacks on hospitality venues across Melbourne. These attacks have raised significant concerns, prompting a special task force, known as Operation Eclipse, to delve into the matter further. Officers involved in this operation are now examining whether the shooting is part of this troubling pattern.

Authorities suspect that the uptick in such violent occurrences may be linked to the illicit alcohol trade, a shadowy market that has been gaining traction in the region. This theory is currently a focal point of their ongoing investigations as they strive to curb the growing threat.

Police remained on scene this morning, and are looking to establish if the shooting is linked to dozens of attacks on Melbourne hospitality venues in recent months.
Police remained on scene this morning, and are looking to establish if the shooting is linked to dozens of attacks on Melbourne hospitality venues in recent months. (Nine)

It is believed officers part of Operation Eclipse, set up to look at attacks on hospitality venues, is investigating the shooting.

It is believed the recent rise in attacks is linked to the sale of illicit alcohol.

Police have established a crime scene, and urge anyone with information or footage of the shooting to contact Crime Stoppers.

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.

You May Also Like

Police Say Man Fatally Beat 76-Year-Old Woman Inside Hotel Room

Share copy link Inset: Paul Stottler (Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office). Background: The…

Police Say Man Attacked Woman With Nunchucks in Violent Assault

Share copy link Melvin Blackburn (Bingham County Sheriff’s Office). An Idaho man…

Stepfather Sentenced After Forcing 11-Year-Old to Give Birth at Home

Inset: Dustin J. Walker (Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office). Background: The home where…

Teen Shot Dead While Defending Young Boy From Bully, Police Say

Inset: Jalil Jones (GoFundMe). Background: The 800 block of Mt. Zion Road…

Father and Child Shot in McDonald’s Ambush; Employee Involved, Police Say

Inset: A vehicle connected to the shooting at the Florida McDonald’s where…

Police: Mother Left 2-Year-Old Home Alone During 12-Hour Work Shift

Background: The Cincinnati, Ohio, apartment complex where Naomi Holloway is accused of…

Alachua County Woman Accused of Deliberately Crashing Into Car With 2-Year-Old Inside

Staff report ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. – Anna Belle Lewis, 23, was arrested…