Police have confirmed suspicions that a firebomb which devastated Auckland gay nightclub Flesh just before New Year's was indeed an arson attack. According to Flesh nightclub owner Nicholas, Detective Sergeant Rick Vicock has said that an investigation is now proceeding, and the possibility that the attack was motivated by homophobic hatred has not been ruled out. Nicholas says the phone call from the police yesterday was the first contact he'd had since the fire, despite repeated attempts to contact investigating officers over the past month for information. Calls made to the police by GayNZ.com over the past month also have not been returned. No patrons or staff were injured in the firebomb attack, although extensive damage to the nightclub has forced it to temporarily relocate for six weeks while repairs are carried out. GayNZ.com reported in mid-January that the media blackout from police over the cause of the blaze had other venue operators in Auckland concerned that they could be the next target.
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Wednesday, 2nd February 2005 - 12:00pm