Canada - After remaining tight-lipped for two days after a string of arsons caused nearly $200,00 damage, London's chief of police has confirmed that the fires appear to be connected.
While the motives behind the blazes that struck business with connections to the Hells Angels and the Outlaws motorcycle gangs remain unknown, Chief Brad Duncan says the province's biker enforcement was called in to help with the investigation.
"Clearly there's (biker) overtones here," Duncan said.
Duncan stopped short of confirming speculation by organized crime experts that London is the battleground for a biker war between longtime rivals Hells Angels and the Outlaws, but did say he's concerned about public safety.
"I'm certainly concerned for our public and our citizenry when we have a short space of time and four arsons."
The first fire occurred about 3:45 a.m. Saturday at La Tinta Latina tattoo parlour on Hamilton Rd., causing $1,000 damage. The shop is owned by a man who acknowledges membership in the Outlaws.
Nearly 24 hours later, a second blaze struck the Blue Lagoon II massage parlour on Oxford St. E, causing $150,000 damage - the most destructive of the four fires. The flames and smoke also damaged neighbouring businesses, including a nail salon and variety story.
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