Craigieburn tobacco shop gutted in major blaze, as police investigate links to gangland tensions

A suspicious blaze has gutted a Melbourne store with a taskforce dedicated to tackling Victoria’s underworld illicit tobacco war at the scene.

A Melbourne tobacco shop has gone up in flames, as police work to link whether it’s connected to escalating gangland tensions fighting for control of the city’s illegal tobacco trade.

Emergency services rushed to Craigieburn Convenience Tobacco in Melbourne’s north at about 3.30am on Sunday morning following reports of multiple explosions and a large blaze.

Hours later, the brick and tin shop appeared entirely gutted, with police cordoning off the intersection of Smeaton Ct and Bridgewater Rd as they continue to investigate the suspicious blaze.

Firefighters were called to the suspicious blaze at about 3.30am on Sunday morning. Picture: 9News/ Today

The incident will now be under the authority of Taskforce Lunar, which was set up to investigate the spate of arson attacks on tobacco stores, and its links to ongoing disputes between organised crime groups.

A spokesman for Victoria Police said it will be investigating whether there are any “any links (the incident) may have to recent fires”.

Neighbouring homes to the north of the blaze were also hit by embers, with the roof of one house catching on fire.

A Fire Rescue Victoria spokesman said crews arrived to the scene within four minutes, with firefighters taking the control of the fire by 4.55am.

Earlier this week, a tobacco shop in Altona was also firebombed. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ David Crosling

Paramedics from Ambulance Victoria were also on the scene to ensure the welfare of the firefighters.

Craigieburn Convenience Tobacco is the third attack on a tobacco shop to go up in flames in just a week, after Free Choice Tobacconist on Pier St, Altona in Melbourne’s south west was firebombed twice in two days.

Anyone with information, or people who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.