St Kilda fire: Electric Rooster tattoo shop on Fitzroy St firebombed

Melbourne’s “best tattoo artist” has been targeted in a suspicious firebomb attack at his Fitzroy St shop.

Electric Rooster Tattoo parlour was firebombed this morning, causing residents in nearby apartments to flee. Picture: Jason Edwards

A business owner who boasts he is “Melbourne’s best tattoo artist” has been targeted in a suspicious firebomb attack.

And police say any links to bikie gangs have not yet been uncovered.

A blaze broke out at the Electric Rooster tattoo parlour on Fitzroy St in St Kilda about 7.30am on March 23.

Victoria Police confirmed the fire was sparked by a lit can of fuel that was thrown at the shop.

Tattoo artist Stefano Forte. Source: Electric Rooster website

The Electric Rooster website states the business was established in 2017 and owned by Stefano Forte.

“Stefano brings all the classic elements of a true Italian artist, with vibrant flowing designs,” the website said.

“He is passionate about traditional western and Japanese tattoos.

“Old-school my friend is his daily mantra.”

Owner and tattoo artist Stefano Forte has been contacted for comment.

One neighbour, who did not want to be named, said he’d be “very surprised” if the shop was connected to an outlaw motorcycle gang.

“I’ve never heard any whispers about them and never seen anyone dodgy going in or out,” he said.

“It’s just normal people getting inked as far as I can tell.

“Looks like mostly private school kids getting their first tattoo.

“There are plenty of other dodgy places in St Kilda I’d expect this to happen to before (Electric Rooster) — no one’s ever said a bad word about them.”

The blaze was sparked when a lit fuel can was thrown at the shopfront. Picture: Jason Edwards

At least a dozen people were evacuated from their apartments located above the shop front.

Police said the fire was quickly extinguished.

“The fire caused extensive damage to the shopfront before being extinguished,” a police statement said.

“The shop was unoccupied at the time of the incident and no one was injured.”

CCTV in the area will be seized to help track down the alleged offenders.

A Fire Rescue Victoria spokesman said 17 firefighters arrived on scene within six minutes.

“Crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire and make the scene safe,” a spokeswoman said.

“Residents from neighbouring buildings self-evacuated and thankfully no injuries were reported.”

Detectives from Port Phillip crime investigation unit are continuing to investigate.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.