Police are investigating a suspicious fire at barber shop on Miller St in Epping

A barber shop in Melbourne’s north has been heavily damaged by fire after police say it was deliberately targeted in an arson attack.

Police investigate an overnight fire at a barber shop that spread to a tobacco store on Millers Rd Epping. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

A barber shop in Melbourne’s north has been heavily damaged by fire after police say it was deliberately targeted in an arson attack.

The fire spread to a nearby tobacco store, sparking fears Melbourne’s tobacco store war had claimed another victim.

However, police told the Herald Sun the Ali Barber store was the target, not the tobacco business Flavor Shed.

“The barber shop sustained most of the damage from the fire,” Detective Sergeant Rob Luri from the LUNAR task force said.

“It’s too early in the investigation to say much more.”

Four CFA united worked for more than an hour to control the blaze at Miller St in Epping

Nobody was inside the building at the time of the fire.

Police are investigating an overnight fire in Millers Rd Epping. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

The damage inflicted on the Flavour Shed was largely restricted to the inside of the business, with the exterior sustaining only minor damage.

Four CFA units got the fire under control early Friday morning. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

Five hours before Friday’s attack the Flavour Shed announced it would be closing their doors due to “unforeseen circumstances”.

“Flavour Shed doors are closed. Hopefully we will have further updates on this matter,” they said about midnight Friday, just hours before their joint was set alight.

“Flavour Shed will be doing deliveries due to unforeseen circumstances.”

Police on the scene of the suspicious shop fire on Miller St in Epping on Friday. Photo: Gemma Scerri.

Miller St in Epping remains closed as firefighters and police officers investigate an early morning fire that ripped through a barber store and damaged a tobacco store. Picture: GoogleMaps.

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit the website www.crimestoppersvic.com.au”

Witnesses or anyone with information are urged to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000 or make an online report here.