Police hunt for suspects after southern suburbs business completely destroyed in bizarre arson attack

A southern suburbs printing business has been completely destroyed in an arson attack – leaving the devastated owner with losses of up to $1 million.

A southern suburbs printing business has been completely destroyed in an arson attack, leaving the devastated owner with a potential damage bill up to $1 million.

Growing printing business MGM Prints, in Melrose Park, went up in flames on Friday morning with a window believed to be an entry point.

The MFS confirmed “multiple spot fires” had been lit inside the building.

MGM Prints owner Maqbool Mohammed said he was heartbroken to arrive to find his “dreams shattered” with a “lifetime worth of work” completely destroyed.

MGM Prints owner Maqbool Mohammed said his business was completely destroyed. Picture: Dylan Hogarth.

Mr Mohammed said the building had been gutted and his expensive equipment was ruined – including a new printing machine valued at $470,000 alone.

The father of five said he had built his business from the ground up and had been in the location for more than three years as his operations continued to grow.

Mr Mohammed said it was too early to know the extent of the damage bill but said it could be as high as $1 million.

A crew of 26 firefighters with nine trucks and two command vehicles took about 20 minutes to extinguish the blaze.

With his hard work burnt to the ground, Mr Mohammed said was left to try and comprehend why anyone would attack his shop.

He said he had no enemies and no clue as to why his business was targeted.

MGM Prints owner Maqbool Mohammed said his business was completely destroyed and he could not understand why anyone would attack his shop. Picture: Dylan Hogarth.

Mr Mohammed said he was unaware of any theft of equipment but said it was hard to tell among the wreckage.

Detective Inspector John Quinn confirmed the cause of the fire was suspicious but no suspects had been identified.

However, he said nearby CCTV footage had been helpful in the police investigation.

Police are appealing for anyone who was in the Edward St area from 4.15am and 6.30am that might have seen anyone acting suspiciously or has any dashcam footage to contact Crimestoppers.

Edward St was closed to traffic turning from South Rd for much of the morning as fire investigators attended the scene.

An MFS spokesperson said the blaze was contained without spreading to neighbouring businesses.