Babylon Gifts & Accessories molotov cocktail attack at Torrensville probed by SA Police Operation Eclipse

Police have confirmed an early morning attack on a Torrensville shisha shop is being investigated by its special anti-tobacco taskforce.

A special police taskforce is investigating a molotov cocktail fire at Torrensville which is believed to be linked to the state’s growing underground tobacco trade.

It is the third suspected arson attack on a Henley Beach Rd business this year, after a beloved restaurant was destroyed by fire in August and another was targeted by suspected firebugs on Monday.

All three incidents have been referred to Operation Eclipse, which is investigating the movement of illicit tobacco and connections to similar firebombings in Victoria.

Police and emergency services were called to Babylon Gifts & Accessories at Torrensville at about 3am on Thursday after several triple-0 calls.

Police are investigating a suspicious fire at Babylons Gifts & Accessories on Henley Beach Rd in Torrensville. Picture: Matt Loxton

Picture: George Yankovich

There was no structural damage to the property and no reports of injuries, but the attackers smashed the front door and parts of the shop window.

Head of SA Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Branch, Detective Superintendent Shane Addison, said officers were working to “determine the circumstances of this fire, identify those responsible and establish any links to the suspected criminal activities of the Operation Eclipse persons of interest”.

“SA Police will not tolerate the risk to the community of these activities and are seeking community assistance to identify those responsible,” he said.

There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by the business or its owners, and police are investigating the attack along with other similar incidents.

So far this year, seven suspicious fires and several assaults have been referred to the crack taskforce, leading to two arrests.

It is the second time the business has been targeted by criminals in less than a month, with police confirming thieves broke in on Tuesday September 17 and stole copper piping.

The fire was put out by Brooklyn Park painter Hassam Frough, 46, who pulled up next to the shop in the early hours while taking his son to the hospital.

Mr Frough told police how he stepped through the broken door and started stamping on the flames to extinguish them.

“I saw the fire and so I go in and start stepping on it like this,” Mr Frough said, gesturing his motions.

“It was a little fire, maybe about half a metre (tall), but all around the door.

“It was not that big that I should feel scared about it.”

Revl Training owner Chelsea Bower owns a business across the road and said the fact it was the second attack on the street in a week left her worried.

“Everyone’s rocking up to the gym at 5am or earlier, so it’s not nice to see cop cars all up the road,” she said.

“Hopefully it stops soon and other businesses nearby aren’t affected by it.”

Anyone with dashcam footage or who saw suspicious activity in the area is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at crimestopperssa.com.au or on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Babylon Gifts & Accessories molotov cocktail attack at Torrensville probed by SA Police Operation Eclipse