Fire rips through Truganina gym in suspected arson attack

A blaze has torn through a gymnasium in Melbourne’s west following a suspected arson attack.

A blaze that tore through a Truganina gym is being treated as suspicious.

A blaze that ripped through an industrial property in Melbourne’s west on Saturday night is being treated as suspicious.

The fire broke out at the Prosperity St property just after 11pm on December 30.

The front door and window of the building – which is being used as a gymnasium – were smashed in, with shattered glasses littering the ground.

Damaged gym equipment could be seen inside the building.

Treadmills, a boxing ring and other exercise equipment could be seen inside the gym on Sunday morning, as investigators probed the cause of the blaze.

It is understood the gym has only been operating at the site for a couple of months.

No one was inside the venue at the time, but some equipment has been damaged by the flames.

Police are investigating the cause of the fire.

A Fire Rescue Victoria spokesman said crews arrived within seven minutes of the call and the fire was quickly brought under control.

A man who works in a neighbouring business said he was shocked to turn up at work and find a crime scene had been set up.

Vince, who did not provide his surname, told the Herald Sun said all the tenants in the industrial estate got along well.

“They’re all bloody good people,” he said.

Malki Singh, who works as a manager at nearby Gobind Sweets, said he got a call from police in the early hours of the morning to check the restaurant had not been damaged.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman confirmed detectives from the Wyndham Crime Investigation Unit were investigating the blaze and it was being treated as suspicious.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.