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Hogans Corner Tobacconist damaged by suspicious fire

Police are investigating whether a suspicious fire at a tobacco shop in Hoppers Crossing is related to a string of other fires across Melbourne.

Fire Rescue Victoria are investigating the suspicious fire at Hogan's Corner Tobacconist. Picture: Lily McCaffrey
Fire Rescue Victoria are investigating the suspicious fire at Hogan's Corner Tobacconist. Picture: Lily McCaffrey

Detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad are probing whether a suspicious fire which damaged a tobacconist shop in Melbourne’s west is linked to a spate of recent fires targeting businesses.

Hogans Corner Tobacconist – which is owned by businessman Abdullah Haddara who also owns a tobacconist in suburban Adelaide – was set alight early Friday morning.

The interior of the shop has been left scorched and cindered with a thick scent of burned rubber in the area.

Emergency services were called to the tobacconist on Hogans Road in Hoppers Crossing following a triple-0 call at 4.08am.

Fire Rescue Victoria and CFA services arrived at the scene within five minutes to find the premises fully alight. No one was inside at the time.

Authorities are probing a suspicious fire that occurred on Friday morning at Hogans Corner Tobacconist. Picture: Lily McCaffrey
Authorities are probing a suspicious fire that occurred on Friday morning at Hogans Corner Tobacconist. Picture: Lily McCaffrey

An arson chemist attended the store later in the morning to determine the cause of the fire, which currently remains unknown but is being treated as suspicious.

It’s not yet known if this fire is linked to a string of other arson attacks on Melbourne businesses which occurred in recent months, however Police haven’t ruled this out.

Detective Inspector Chris Murray from the Arson and Explosives Squad said there is currently a significant investigation underway into the number of recent fires across Melbourne.

“If you are engaged in this type of offending for any reason at the moment then rest assured, you have our full attention,” he said.

“With each and every arson that occurs on tobacco stores our interest and involvement increases.

“So far we have seen millions of dollars of damage caused by these fires, with much of it impacting innocent parties. It is only due to luck that we haven’t seen anyone killed or seriously injured.”

An owner of the tobacconist arrived at the scene early this morning and was allegedly yelling and angry at the state of his shop.

He arrived and left swiftly in a furious temper.

All of the food shops in the Hogans Corner Shopping Centre had to be closed due to the toxic smoke ruining the food. Some have since been reopened including a neighbouring Woolworths.

“The store is back trading as normal, albeit with a slightly reduced offer until tomorrow,” a Woolworths spokesperson said.

It’s understood an odour remains in-store following the fire, but significant airflow is coming through to help remove the smell.

“All non-packaged fresh produce was appropriately disposed of due to smoke damage. The fresh produce section is currently in the process of being refilled,” the spokesperson added.

A burned up jerry can sits outside the remains of the Hogans Corner tobacconist. Picture: Grace Baldwin.
A burned up jerry can sits outside the remains of the Hogans Corner tobacconist. Picture: Grace Baldwin.

Ten fire vehicles attended the scene, including an aerial appliance, with firefighters in breathing apparatus bringing the blaze under control by 5.31am.

A burned up jerry can has been left outside the demolished tobacconist shop, thought to have been used to start the fire.

Hoppers Crossing local and tobacconist customer Glen MacLeod said the shop had recently been redone and the owners “spent a fortune doing the floors”.

“The owners are great people – I think it’s jealousy or something,” Mr MacLeod said.

“It was the nicest looking shop in town.

“You couldn’t meet nicer people.”

He said the owners sunk a significant amount of money in opening the store and now they have “lost everything”.

Selling mainly smokes and other paraphernalia, Mr MacLeod said the shop had never had any trouble before.

“It’s jealousy, it’s all about money.

“You couldn’t meet nicer people in this world, the guy’s just trying to make a living for God’s sake.”

Hogans Corner Shopping Centre management was contacted in relation to the matter, however was unable to comment at the time.

Firefighters and police remain on scene and their investigations are continuing.

Melbourne has been rocked by a series of arson attacks which have been linked to a feud between warring Middle Eastern crime groups.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, with vision or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

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Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-victoria/hoppers-crossing-tobacco-shop-damaged-by-suspicious-fire/news-story/ca568df2c772903734dfbe9f095643a0