A ute displaying pro-Palestinian messages has been firebombed in western Sydney, with its owners believing they were targeted in a politically motivated attack.
CCTV footage captured the moment a suspect prowled around the vehicle before hurling a firebomb underneath the ute on Carlisle Ave at Dharruk. The arsonist then fled on foot as the vehicle burst into flames.
Ahmed and his brothers rushed to save their ute, grabbing hoses in a desperate battle against the blaze.
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“The hose couldn’t reach so I jumped in the car, moved it forward a bit and took out the flame,” Ahmed said.
The ute, which has been plastered with slogans including “Free Gaza” and “Free Palestine” for more than two years, has created controversy online and attracted multiple threats.
The ute has borne the slogan for more than two years and has been the subject of multiple threats, owners say. Credit: 7NEWS The owners say they received the most recent threat on Sunday, but this marks the first time their vehicle has been physically damaged.
“This is driven by hatred. It is directed at someone who is peacefully protesting, peacefully expressing their freedom of speech,” the owner said.
While police won’t confirm the attack was politically motivated, saying the motive remains under investigation, a jerry can left at the scene has become a key piece of evidence.
“It shouldn’t happen in Australia. It’s very sad to see,” one resident said.