Sonsa Market grocer on Smith St Collingwood set ablaze in deliberate attack

CCTV has captured an arson attack on a Smith St grocery shop in which three offenders were seen smashing the store’s front window and setting it alight.

A business in Collingwood has been deliberately set on fire.

Police were called to the Sonsa Market store on Smith St after reports that three people smashed the windows of the shop and set it on fire just before 3am on Thursday.

The offenders are believed to have used hammers to break a front glass window of the store before setting it on fire and fleeing the scene in a silver SUV, police said in a statement.

A jerry can found at the scene. Picture: David Crosling

The fire was extinguished and police located jerry cans at the scene.

Officers patrolled the area but were unable to locate the offenders.

Sonsa Market’s website says it is a family-owned local grocer that has operated since 1983, selling a range of Mediterranean products.

Local resident Mia Veur said Sonsa Market has been an iconic meeting point for the entire community since 1983.

“It’s the oldest shop that is still operating on Smith St,” Ms Veur said.

“It’s the only cultural meeting place for the south Sudanese community.”

Ms Veur said she was devastated the grocer and butcher had been subject to a senseless act of violence.

“I’m so sad, I’m actually on the verge of tears,” she said.

“I worry about where locals will access cultural foods now.”

Police on scene have barricaded the area surrounding the shop.

A sledgehammer, blowtorch, jerry can and glove remain at the scene.

Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen persons acting suspiciously or who may have seen a silver SUV in the area around the time of the fire, with information or CCTV or dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.