By Ashleigh McMillan
A fruit and vegetable shop has been damaged in a suspicious blaze, after a car was set alight outside the store in Melbourne’s northern suburbs early on Tuesday.
Emergency services were called following reports of a car on fire at the corner of East and Middle streets in Hadfield at 3.10am.
The fire spread to Hadfield Finest Fruit & Veg, which was “significantly damaged”, according to police.
A spokeswoman for Fire Rescue Victoria said the car was reversed into the two-storey building, warping the store’s roller doors and breaking windows. Firefighters discovered an LPG tank in the back of the vehicle.
No one was inside the building when the fire was lit, and no injuries have been reported.
Police believe the fire was targeted and is likely linked to a series of arson attacks on tobacco stores dating back to March this year.
Detectives collect evidence from the scene where a car was rammed into a greengrocer and set on fire.Credit: Justin McManus
“The arson and explosives squad will be looking at all possible motives for this fire, and we have strong avenues of enquiry to identify the offenders.
“This is inherently dangerous behaviour and I want to assure the public that police will not tolerate such blatant and dangerous criminal conduct in our communities,” said Detective Inspector Chris Murray from the arson and explosives squad.
An LPG bottle at the scene.Credit: Justin McManus
A battle between Middle Eastern organised crime entities and motorcycle gangs over the illegal tobacco trade has been linked to 11 arson attacks on tobacconists dating back to March, which caused extensive damage to shops in Springvale, Moonee Ponds, Deer Park, Hoppers Crossing, Wodonga and Wangaratta.
The Age has attempted to contact the owners of the shop.
Any witnesses, anyone with vision or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or anonymously at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
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