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Woman dies in house fire

An elderly woman died after fire tore through a house in Meadow Heights on Friday. Fire crews from the MFB and CFA were called to the Nicholson Drive address just after 4pm. It is believed the woman had five children, none of whom were home at the time. Firefighters managed to save her pet dog. Police established a crime scene at the house to investigate the cause of the blaze.

Liberal candidate sacked

The Liberal Party has disendorsed Nitin Gursahani as a candidate for the seat of Thomastown. Mr Gursahani was sacked after it was revealed his family business, Kiren Australia, was involved in bringing Bollywood actress and adult film star Sunny Leone to Australia to co-host an event at a Toorak bar. A Liberal party spokesman said this “did not reflect the values that underpin our party” and Mr Gursahani had not been forthcoming about his business interests in the application process.

Ring road racing

Police are appealing for witnesses after reports two cars were racing east along the western ring road near Edgars Road, Thomastown, just after 7.30 on Thursday night. One of the cars was a 2010 VE Holden Commodore; the other was a green 2005 Holden Commodore. Police were called to the scene, but the alleged incident had ended. They spoke to a 21-year-old South Morang man and a 19-year-old Essendon man.