Suspicious fire at Donnybrook Rd, Norlane shop

The fiery collision appeared deliberate and may be linked to the so-called tobacco wars.

A car crashed into a Norlane shop.

A car that slammed into a Norlane shop before being set alight may have been an attack linked to the so-called tobacco wars but police say it’s too early in the investigation to confirm a connection to the ongoing underworld conflict.

A crime scene was established after the white Hyundai sedan smashed into the roller door protecting the Donnybrook Rd store early on Saturday. The vehicle appears to have been set ablaze moments after the impact.

A photo taken just after the collision show large flames enveloping the car and thick smoke around the scene.

Victoria Police spokeswoman Sergeant Megan Stefanec the incident happened about 4am.

“No one was inside at the time,” she said.

The scene on Saturday morning.

“A crime scene has been established and the investigation into the incident remains ongoing.”

Later on Saturday morning, the scene was taped off and the burnt-out car could be seen out the front of a store with signage saying “Donnybrook Hair Salon”. A partly melted red jerry can appeared to be sitting beside the vehicle.

It’s understood the store has previously been known to sell vapes and cigarettes.

A number of tobacco shops have been targeted in arson attacks across Victoria recently but police said it was too early in their probe of the Norlane incident to say whether there was a link to the ongoing conflict.

Thomas Marcoftsis, who has owned the delicatessen next door for 41 years, said it wasn’t the first time a car had damaged shops along the strip.

Car on fire outside Donnybrook Rd, Norlane shop. Picture: Supplied

A car tore through his shop in February, and the storefront remains boarded up.

“The world’s changed,” Mr Marcoftsis said.

“Years ago people were polite, everybody loved each other.”

A nearby resident told the Addy he was woken by the crash and initially didn't know what happened before coming outside and joining his neighbours watching the blaze.

A Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) spokesperson said the agency responded to an incident at 3.46am on Donnybrook Rd after callers to triple-0 reported a shop fire.

“Firefighters arrived on scene within six minutes to find a car well alight with no one inside,” the spokesperson said.

“The car fire was impinging on a shop and awning.”

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has dashcam/CCTV footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Originally published as Suspicious fire at Donnybrook Rd, Norlane shop