Explosion at Maroubra cafe deemed suspicious

An explosion at a Sydney cafe which forced residents to be evacuated from their homes this morning is being treated as suspicious by police.

Emergency services were called to the shop on Anzac Parade in Maroubra at about 2am after reports of a blast, and arrived to find the café well alight.

Police evacuated around 50 residents who lived above the store. Some became trapped on a stairwell and had to be rescued by firefighters.

The fire was extinguished but a crime scene was established and one northbound lane remains closed along the street.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.