Police probe suspicious blaze at Gordon Ave Accident Repair Centre

A Geelong West panel beater was set alight by a group of unknown offenders on Thursday morning, less than a month after another repair shop in Torquay was targeted.

Police guard the scene of a fire at a Gordon Ave Accident Repair Centre in Geelong West. Picture: Alison Wynd

A Geelong West panel beater was set alight by a group of unknown offenders on Thursday morning, less than a month after a Torquay repair shop was also targeted.

Emergency services were called to Gordon Ave Accident Repair Centre about 5.30am after a triple-0 caller reported a building was on fire.

“It is understood unknown offenders attended the premises in a vehicle and set the building alight,” a police spokeswoman said.

“The offenders fled in the vehicle.”

Police guard the scene of a fire at a Gordon Ave smash repairs premises in Geelong West. Picture: Alison Wynd

Police said the fire was suspicious and an investigation was now underway.

Crews took about 30 minutes to bring the blaze under control.

No one was injured.

Police were guarding the auto body repair shop about 9am with the scene taped off.

Gordon Ave is home to various businesses including an auto parts shop, car dealerships and a flooring outlet.

A Torquay panel beater was also targeted less than a month ago.

Police on Thursday said it was too early to say if the two fires were connected.

Police at Surf Coast Collision on March 10. Picture: Brad Fleet

CCTV footage captured the moment a car reversed into a roller door at Surf Coast Collision on Winki Way about 2.30am on March 10.

The vision showed multiple people at the scene before the car “exploded suddenly”.

The fire was also deemed suspicious.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV or dashcam footage or information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Originally published as Police probe suspicious blaze at Gordon Ave Accident Repair Centre