Melbourne tobacconist destroyed in suspected arson attack
Forensic fire crews are probing a destroyed tobacconist shop following a suspected arson attack in Melbourne this morning.
Hogans Corner Tobacconist on Hogans Road in Hoppers Crossing went up in flames just after 4am.
Firefighters found the shop "fully alight" when they arrived within five minutes of being called, according to Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV).
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A tobacconist in Melbourne's west has been set on fire in a suspected arson attack. Nine
It took until 5.31am for them to bring the blaze under control, with 10 fire trucks attending the scene.
Arson chemists are yet to identify the cause of the blaze but police and Fire Rescue Victoria have confirmed they believe it's suspicious.
The fire caused significant damage to the shop as well as neighbouring businesses, leaving them without gas and forcing them to close for the day.
It took firefighters more than an hour to bring the fire under control. Nine
Locals have been left "stunned" by the incident.
"I've been coming here 22 years or so they're nice people, I actually shop in there," one told 9News.
The suspected arson attack comes after at least 11 incidents of firebombing attacks occurred across Melbourne in June, with police believing them to be related to a gang war.
9News is not suggesting the owners of the Hoppers Crossing shop have any criminal links.
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