Arsonist tries to set Labor candidate's car on FIRE after stuffing a plastic bag in the fuel tank and setting it alight
- A plastic bag was stuffed into election candidate's fuel tank and set alight
- Labor Candidate Belinda Hassan found her fuel cap open and called the police
- Liberal opponent MP George Christensen immediately condemned attack
- Police have tested the vehicle for fingerprints and DNA evidence
An attempted arson attack against the car of a Labor candidate in Queensland is under investigation as she vows not to be intimidated.
Belinda Hassan's car was broken into, and a plastic bag was stuffed into her fuel tank and set alight.
The candidate for Dawson noticed the fuel cap was open in the morning and called the police. The car is easily identifiable as part of her campaign.
Police inspect Labor candidate Belinda Hassan's open fuel tank for fingerprints and evidence. A plastic bag was shoved in and set alight but the car did not burn
'This has been a scary incident - and it's extremely concerning behaviour in the context of a campaign. Politics should be better than these dirty tactics,' Ms Hassan said in a statement.
'I'm pretty disgusted that instead of fighting on policy, someone has resorted to a dangerous attempt at intimidation.
'I'll keep fighting for a fair go for our region because I know the local community deserves better than the hand they've been dealt under the Liberals.'
Belinda Hassan, candidate for Dawson found her petrol cap off and called the police
Queensland Police officers have tested the car for fingerprints and DNA evidence.
Dawson is held by Liberal National MP George Christensen on a margin of 3.4 per cent.
'There is no room for cowardly attacks against public figures - in or out of politics - in Australia,' Mr Christensen wrote on his Facebook page.
'Anyone who supports a free and democratic society should join me in condemning this disgraceful act and calling for those involved to be punished to the full extent of the law.'
Queensland Police put out a statement on Monday evening calling for public help in identifying the culprits of the attempted arson attack.
'The incident happened on Gordon Street, between 9pm Sunday, and 8.30am today,' the statement said.
'A singed plastic bag was located in the fuel tank.'
'Anyone who has CCTV footage or dash cam footage of the area at the time of the incident is asked to contact police.'
Anyone with information is urged to call Policelink on 131 444 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
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