ESSENDON, VIC. — Police are investigating a suspicious fire at a café in Essendon this morning.
Emergency services were called to reports of a fire at the premises on Mount Alexander Road about 1am.
Fire crews worked to extinguish the blaze, which caused significant damage to the property as well as a neighbouring business.
The premises were closed at the time of the incident, and no one was inside.
Investigators have been told a dark-coloured SUV was seen fleeing the scene.
The suspicious fire comes just three days after shots were fired into the same cafe in an alleged drive-by shooting.
Bullet holes were still visible in panes of glass outside the cafe as firefighters worked to battle the fire.
A crime scene has been established. An arson chemist will attend the scene later today.
Detectives will investigate whether the incident is linked to an alleged shooting at the same premises on Friday, July 10.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
