Clayton South tattoo parlour destroyed in suspicious fire, could be linked to second blaze

A CAR which was seen near a Clayton South tattoo parlour shortly before the shop was destroyed in a suspicious fire was later found ablaze, police say.

A CAR which was seen near a Clayton South tattoo parlour shortly before the shop was destroyed in a suspicious fire was later found ablaze, police say.

Phat Ink on Centre Rd was engulfed in flames around 3.30am yesterday, with the fire threatening to spread to neighbouring shops.

Dozens of firefighters battled the inferno for close to an hour before they were able to bring it under control.

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The fire broke out around 3.30am. Picture: Patrick Herve

A tattoo parlour has been destroyed in a suspicious fire. Picture: Patrick Herve

A short time later, emergency services were called to a car fire around 3.6km away at The Grange Reserve on Osborne Avenue.

Police believe the same car — a grey Mazda 3 hatchback with registration 1AP9JE — may have been in the vicinity of the tattoo parlour before the fire.

They are also hoping to speak to a man who is Caucasian in appearance and about 183cm tall with light brown hair, possibly shaved on the sides, and a medium build.

The car was also seen around Broadmeadows on July 28.

A man who police wish to speak to in relation to two suspicious fires in Clayton South.

Dozens of firefighters worked to put the blaze out. Picture: Patrick Herve

The fire was attacked from above to prevent flames spreading to neighbouring business. Picture: Patrick Herve

Yesterday, the devastated tattoo shop owners expressed their relief that no one was hurt.

“We are grateful nobody was at the shop when this occurred but are lost for words this morning,” they said in a statement.

The parlour was not a “club” shop and had operated without incident for five years, the statement read.

“Our clients are familiar with our children who are seen nightly at the premises usually with their school tutor,” they said.

The fire was finally brought under control around 4.15am but the shop suffered structural damage and almost engulfed neighbouring properties.

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