Two on run after barber shop in Werribee in Melbourne’s west rammed, set ablaze

A ute was rammed through a barber shop in Melbourne’s west before it was set ablaze in the latest early morning arson attack to hit the city, leaving a young business owner to face his gutted shopfront.

Two arsonists are on the run after setting a barber shop in fire in Werribee. Picture: David Crosling

• Crime gangs sell one-in-three cigarettes

Two arsonists are on the run after torching a Werribee barber shop and convenience store on Monday morning.

In the latest suspected tobacco war attack, No Labels barber shop was completely gutted when the blaze broke out about 1.30am.

The offenders rammed a silver ute into the front entrance of the Derwent St shop, setting the vehicle and building alight after crashing through steel bollards surrounding the car park.

They were then seen running away from the complex, with one resident spotting an offender with his face covered by a hood outside her home.

The attack happened about 1:30am Monday. Picture: David Crosling

They were then believed to have fled in a getaway car parked on nearby Macalister Court.

The roof of the barber shop had collapsed and the damage extended to the adjoining Riverdene convenience store, which is run by local businessman Koda Elsoukmani and stocks smoke accessories, coffee and American confectionery.

Mr Elsoukmani refurbished the retail property last year, where he ran another barber shop before leasing the space to No Labels just months ago.

Ben, whose brother owned No Labels, said his younger brother was a hard worker who had been trying to make an honest living.

“He’s a young guy trying to start his own business,” Ben said.

Police at the scene on Monday morning. Picture: David Crosling

“He finally made the effort to open up his own shop and for this to happen, it’s really devastating.

Ben said his brother had hopes of expanding his business by opening more shops.

“(It makes) me really upset because he’s trying to do everything right, trying to do everything legal and trying his best and he’s just a young kid ,” he said.

“It’s disgusting. I don’t really have the words for it … this is going to be a major setback for him.”

The complex is owned by Werribee businessman Koda Elsoukmani. Picture: Facebook

Neighbours say they heard what sounded like a loud explosion before the fire spread.

Resident Steven Govan said Mr Elsoukmani was a “lovely guy”.

“He loves to chat. They’re just hardworking people and this happens to them,” he said.

“I come to get all my odds and ends from here. It’s really terrible for the locals.”

Mr Govan said it was shocking to see the tobacco war unfold on his doorstep.

“It’s just terrible — there’s no real words to describe it,” he said.

“It’s really, really terrible behaviour from a lot of people out there.”

Schoolboy Jacob Kaksa, who was a customer at the barber shop and convenience store, said the businesses were popular among locals.

Several other barber shops have been targeted by arsonists this year.

Last month, offenders torched the Jewel Barber in Brunswick.

In March, Flavor Shed in Epping went up in flames when arsonists attempted to burn down the Ali Barber store.

Monday’s fire comes amid nearly 70 suspicious blazes that have been linked to Victoria’s tobacco wars.

Several other barber shops have been targeted by arsonists this year.

Last month, offenders torched the Jewel Barber in Brunswick.

In March, Flavor Shed in Epping went up in flames when arsonists attempted to burn down the Ali Barber store.

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