Recent firebomb attacks linked to youth rivalry: police

Investigators are linking seven recent arsons in Edmonton involving Molotov cocktails to a rivalry between three groups of teens in the Mill Woods area, police announced Wednesday.

Police said the attacks are related to other assaults and vandalismand stemmed from a fist fight in March.

CBC News has learned that the original feud involved teens from rival south Edmonton high schools.

The fact these were targeted attacks should reassure the public, said Edmonton police Supt. Dave Veitch.

"These aren't just random attacks. They're fairly targeted. I think there was one house that was hit that was an error. They probably were just on the wrong street," he said.

"The community has to know they aren't at risk here except for the spillover that can happen if we don't get it tightened up."

Two Molotov cocktails were thrown at a house in Mill Woods around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday.There was another attack in the Jackson Heights area of Mill Woods earlier that day. In both cases, the houses and vehicles suffered minor damage.

Five other attacks have occurred in and around the Mill Woods area, the earliest in March.

One teen is an official suspect, police said, and they are watching others closely.

Veitch said the teens don't want to talk about what's going on, but their parents want to work with police to help resolve the dispute.

"They do want to help, and they are frustrated and they're very concerned about the safety of their kids," he said. "And so they're coming forward and talking with us."