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Flaming object tossed through front window of Victoria restaurant: police

Victoria police are looking for witnesses after someone threw a flaming object into a restaurant on Douglas Street.
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Victoria police are looking for witnesses after someone threw a flaming object into a restaurant on Douglas Street.

Officers responded to a report of a fire at the Kentucky Fried Chicken on Douglas, between Finlayson Street and Tolmie Avenue, about 5:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Police said it appears someone broke a window at the restaurant about 5:15 a.m., lit an object on fire and threw it inside.

A suspect wearing dark clothing was seen heading north on a bicycle.

Meanwhile, a resident reported to have a handgun at a multi-unit temporary housing facility on Douglas Street turned out to have a replica firearm.

Officers on patrol were approached by a person who said someone had a handgun in one of the rooms.

They spoke to the resident and seized the item before discovering that it and the bullets with it weren’t real.

The Burnside Gorge neighbourhood has seen an increased police presence in response to concerns from residents and businesses about crime, and some Burnside Gorge businesses have hired security and upgraded camera systems.

The area is home to several supportive housing facilities, including some opened to shelter people who had been staying in tents in Topaz Park and along Pandora Avenue.

Police ask anyone with information about the arson at Kentucky Fried Chicken to call them at 250-995-7654, extension 1, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

jwbell@timescolonist.com