Fire damages Melbourne clothing shop

A family living above shops in suburban Melbourne has been evacuated after a clothing store caught alight.

A passing police patrol spotted the Balwyn fire just after 1.30am on Monday and helped a family living above a neighbouring shop get out safely.

Firefighters had to contend with asbestos as they battled to confine the fire, which caused $100,000 damage to the clothing store.

The adjoining building suffered only minor smoke and fire damage.

No one was injured and the cause of the fire is yet to be determined.