Police probe suspicious fire at Altona North’s Wolf Cafe & Eatery on Lobelia Drive

A popular western suburbs cafe that was the scene of a suspected arson will close for several weeks despite originally reopening just hours after the blaze.

Police are investigating a suspicious fire at an Altona North business on Tuesday morning. Picture: Supplied

A suspicious fire that tore through a cafe in Melbourne’s west has prompted an investigation by the arson and explosives squad.

Altona North business, Wolf Cafe & Eatery, was a victim of a suspected arson attack in the early hours of Tuesday with the significant damage also impacting a business upstairs.

Police officers were patrolling the area when they saw flames coming from the cafe located on Lobelia Drive about 4.40am.

Firefighters contained the fire a short time later but not before the business sustained significant damage and the law firm above, Local Lawyers, sustained minor smoke damage.

Detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad attended later that morning accompanied by an arson chemist.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said the fire was being treated as suspicious and investigators would look at whether there are any links to a flurry of recent fires across the city.

While the cafe did originally advertise it had reopened by noon Tuesday, later that afternoon customers were told the venue would be temporarily closed until January 23.

According to lifestyle website Mamma Knows West, the family restaurant was opened in 2021 by husband and wife Tina and Dib and served up delicious Halal food.

Any witnesses, anyone with vision or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au”