Anarchists claim responsibility for torched duplex in East Vancouver

VANCOUVER – A group calling itself the Anti-Gentrification Front is claiming responsibility for setting fire to an East Vancouver duplex in protest against encroaching development.

On the Anarchists News website, the group took responsibility for burning down what it said was a “yuppie development.”

The posting says the group is tired of rising rents and gentrification, and that it will never stop fighting those who support development.

Vancouver Police confirmed they’re investigating an early morning fire that caused significant damage at the duplex that was under construction.

Const. Brian Montague says they haven’t determined a motive, or whether those who claim responsibility for the fire are involved.

He says they’re also investigating any connection this case may have to other recent acts of vandalism in Vancouver that the same group claims to have committed.