Another Melbourne tobacco store up in flames as police hunt arsonists
A Melbourne tobacco store has gone up in flames overnight, the latest in a string of what police believe are targeted attacks by arsonists.
Emergency services were called to the Free Choice tobacconist on Pier Street in Altona just before 4am today after gymgoers witnessed the alleged firebombing and called Triple Zero.
Police believe arsonists smashed the front window before throwing jerry cans into the store and setting it alight.
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Emergency services were called to the Free Choice tobacco store in Altona at around 4am. Today
The blaze was quickly extinguished and the store only sustained minor damage.
The specialist Arson Squad is attending to establish the cause of the fire.
Police will also be investigating whether a white ute found dumped and set alight in a carpark off nearby Altona Road around 5am was used as a getaway car in the attack.
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A torched white ute was found on nearby Altona Road. It's believed it could be linked to the attack. Today
Investigators are treating the fire as a targeted attack and will be investigating any links to other recent fires.
Since March last year, more than 30 properties and businesses have been torched in an ongoing war between two rival Melbourne crime gangs for control of the illegal tobacco trade.
Anyone who witnessed the Altona attack or who may have dashcam or CCTV footage is urged to report it to police.
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