ARSON and Explosives Squad detectives are investigating a fire at a tobacco business in Whittlesea’s Church Street that went up in flames last week.
Emergency services were called to the property at 30 Church Street after reports of a fire at about 2.30am on Tuesday, where the rear of the shop had caught alight.
Whittlesea Country Fire Brigade, along with neighbouring Country Fire Authority brigades and two Fire Rescue Victoria appliances, entered through the rear of Whittlesea Convenience Tobacco and controlled the fire within 20 minutes.
No one was inside the business at the time of the fire, but the building was destroyed.
Whittlesea Country Fire Brigade Lieutenant Darren Smith said the store was ‘gutted’, with minor impacts to its surrounding shops.
“The building was probably 50 per cent mould by the time we got there – that’s probably about 80 per cent gone,” Mr Smith said.
Nearby businesses such as a pizza shop and kebab shop were also smoke-affected.
Victoria Police reported the fire had been deemed suspicious and an arson chemist would attend the scene.
Police will investigate any potential links to the series of fire with alleged links to organised crime.
There has been a series of fire bombings and shootings at tobacco shops across Melbourne, which are currently under Victoria Police investigatiion.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
