Convenience store in Collingwood targeted in arson attack amid illegal tobacco war
Gold Logie nominated actor Mark Coles Smith was told to “mind your own f--king business” after he disturbed a group of men setting fire to a Collingwood convenience store.
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Gold Logie nominated actor Mark Coles Smith was told to “mind your own f--king business” after disturbing a group of offenders carrying out an arson attack on a Collingwood convenience store.
Mr Coles Smith, who this year became the first Indigenous actor to be nominated for a Gold Logie, was staying at the Quest Collingwood on Wellington St when crooks set on fire the convenience store located below the apartment where he was staying.
The West Australian actor, most famous for his role in the ABC’s Mystery Road: Origin series as well as being a host of Play School, told the Herald Sun he was woken by the attack.
“At about 2 o’clock in the morning I wake to just smashing underneath my floor,” he said.
“I asked them to cease and desist which they responded with some very inappropriate language.
Mr Coles Smith, who also appeared in Last Cab to Darwin, said he looked over the balcony of his apartment and saw the offenders smashing their way into the store with what he believes to be a short bat and a machete.
“They said mind your own f--king business,” he said.
“Then I saw the fireworks, then they jumped in the car and buzzed off down the street. There was two on foot and one driving.
“Within about three minutes, three fire engines, two cop cars the services were super responsive.”
Mr Coles Smith is in Melbourne to narrate Channel 10’s The Dog House.
The Wizzmart Convenience store on Wellington St is the latest shop to go up in flames amid a rolling series of arson attacks that have rocked Melbourne.
The offenders smashed the front windows of the store and police believe they then used fireworks to set the store alight.
The offenders then fled the scene in a dark-coloured ute.
A Fire Rescue Victoria spokeswoman has said no one was inside the store at the time of the attack.
The fire is being treated as suspicious and Yarra Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating.
Cailtlin Youl, who walks her dog down Wellington St every morning, said it was “shocking” to see the attack.
“This is a new convenience store, so it is a surprise,” she said.
Another local woke up to the loud bangs and police sirens.
“In the middle of the night I heard these loud bangs — it was like bang, bang, bang,” the resident said.
“It’s quite disturbing.”
Dozens of tobacco stores have been set alight across Melbourne over the past six months in attacks believed to be linked to control over the illegal tobacco trade.
Victoria police have set up Lunar Taskforce to crack down on the illicit trade.
Anyone who witnessed the latest incident or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
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