Ipswich tobacconist at Downs Street and Pine Mountain Road fire, investigations by police

Police are investigating a suspicious fire at a newly opened tobacco store in Ipswich, with a crime scene established overnight.

Investigations are ongoing into the fire.

Police are investigating a suspicious fire at a newly opened tobacco store in Ipswich, with a crime scene established overnight.

Two emergency service crews rushed to reports of a structure fire on Downs Street and Pine Mountain Road in North Ipswich at about 1am on Thursday.

Small amounts of smoke and flames were located on the premises.

“Crews conducted the search, we will be attending (Thursday) morning to investigate further,” a Queensland Fire Department spokeswoman said.

Police are treating the fire as suspicious. Investigations are continuing into the cause of the fire.

“Initial investigations indicate that the fire was deliberately lit; no one was inside at the time of the fire, a crime scene has been declared and investigations are ongoing,” a QPS spokeswoman said.

A nearby business operator who wanted to remain anonymous told the Courier-Mail that the store had only just began operating.

“I saw broken glass and a broken window. It has only just opened on Monday. They have been doing it up since Christmas,” he said.

Police are investigating and appeal for anyone with information or CCTV to come forward.

More to come.