Detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad are investigating two arson attacks which are believed to be linked and occurred at the same Tullamarine tobacco store at about 1.20am on Wednesday and earlier last month.
The first incident occurred around 5am on Tuesday, April 22 according to Detective Inspector Chris Murray of the Arson and Explosives Squad.
“This is yet another example of reckless conduct which could have gone horribly wrong, with lives potentially lost,” Det. Insp. Murray said.
Local police were patrolling the Tullamarine area when they observed flames coming from the Melrose Drive premises at 5.20am.
The officers were able to contain the fire with extinguishers before firefighters arrived to completely extinguish the blaze.
Nobody was inside the store at the time.
The building sustained significant damage.
The second incident occurred when emergency services were called to reports of a fire at the same Melrose Drive store around 1.20am on Wednesday, April 30.
It is believed a vehicle was used to impact a roller door, before an accelerant was poured into the shop and set alight.
“While we continue to work with Taskforce Lunar to do absolutely everything we can to target those responsible – the facilitators all the way to those at the top of the syndicates – we need the public’s help. If you see anything suspicious, if you have any information, if you know a store is selling illicit tobacco, please come forward and speak to police,” Det. Insp. Murray said.
Nobody was inside at the time, however, the store sustained extensive damage.
“The significant risk this poses to the broader community is completely unacceptable,” Det. Insp. Murray concluded.
Detectives believe the incidents are linked.
Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
