Norlane tobacco shop allegedly firebombed, police investigating
A Norlane tobacco shop has been set alight again, just one week later after it was targeted in a ram raid.
Geelong
Don't miss out on the headlines from Geelong. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A Norlane tobacco shop has been set alight again, just one week later after it was targeted by criminals in a ram raid.
Detectives will investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire at a retail tobacconist shop in Norlane.
Emergency services were called to the shop on Donnybrook Road following reports of a fire about 1.40am on Saturday morning.
It is believed a vehicle was rammed into the premises by offenders and then set alight.
A spokeswoman for Victoria Police said investigators have cordoned off the area and set up a crime scene.
“It is expected an arson chemist and detectives will attend the scene today,” she said.
“Police will investigate whether the damage and fire are linked to any other recent incidents.”
A Fire Rescue Victoria spokesman said they firefighters arrived on scene within six minutes after receiving calls from members of the public that a vehicle and a shop was on fire.
“Wearing breathing apparatus, crews searched the shops and found no occupants,” the spokesman said.
“Firefighters, supported by CFA, worked together to attack the fire, bringing the scene under control at 2.12am.
“Crews were successful in containing the fire to the building of origin and prevented extension to shops on either side.”
Police and SES were on scene to assist.
The council was notified and a building surveyor will attend during daylight hours.
The scene was handed to Victoria Police to investigate.
Last week the same store was the subject of ram raid.
At the time, police said it was too early in the investigation to confirm a connection to the ongoing underworld conflict.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, or with information or dashcam is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
More to come.
satria.dyer-darmawan@news.com.au
More Coverage
Originally published as Norlane tobacco shop allegedly firebombed, police investigating
‘We’re worried’: Man arrested after more lurkers caught in Rippleside
Alleged prowlers have again been caught on security footage stealing from homes and lurking in backyards in a bayside suburb, with one man arrested. WATCH THE VIDEO
‘Last chance’: Drug-addled dad given lifeline to stay out of jail
A Geelong dad who was nabbed drug-driving shortly after losing his licence for two years has been given one last chance to prove he’s “fair dinkum” about his rehabilitation.