Middle Eastern restaurant on Dalton Rd, Thomastown, destroyed in suspicious fire

A Middle Eastern restaurant in Thomastown has been destroyed in a suspected arson attack, the third restaurant to be damaged in suspicious fires in Melbourne’s north in the past week.

A Middle Eastern restaurant in Thomastown in Melbourne’s north has been destroyed in a suspicious fire.

Firefighters were called to the restaurant on Dalton Rd about 4am on Tuesday to find the restaurant on the ground floor of a three-storey building ablaze.

The fire was brought under control in about 20 minutes and contained to the ground floor.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said the restaurant was “completely destroyed.”

“The fire is being treated as suspicious and police are currently investigating the circumstances,” she said.

“No one was inside at the time.”

The scene of the restaurant fire on Dalton Rd in Thomastown. Picture: David Crosling

Owner Hamed Benawa said CCTV footage showed a white vehicle back into the front window of the business before fuel was poured into the building and it was set alight.

Mr Benawa labeled those responsible as “cowards” and vowed to not be deterred by the incident.

“I feel bad, I feel sad, but what are you going to do?” he said.

“At the end of the day it’s not going to work, we’re going to be back in business and no one can stop us.

He said it wasn’t the first time the venue, which opened eight months ago, has been targeted.

“On our opening night we had our windows smashed,” Mr Benawa said.

Police tape surrounds the burnt-out restaurant. Picture: David Crosling

Mr Benawa said he wanted those responsible prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

“I hope so this time, because it’s not the first time it’s happened,” he said.

“I hope the police take it serious.”

Rival Middle Eastern restaurants and businesses have become implicated in a spate of targeted arson attacks across Melbourne in recent weeks.

The charred interior of the restaurant after the fire. Picture: David Crosling

The latest suspicious blaze follows two Italian restaurants – Negroni 888 on Mount Alexander Rd in Essendon and La Porchetta on the Melton Highway in Taylors Lakes – being destroyed in what police are treating as arson attacks.

Two men were seen pouring an accelerant on the La Porchetta restaurant before it burst into flames.

Anyone who witnessed the incidents, has dashcam/CCTV footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au