Glenroy, Melbourne: Tobacco war escalates as stores set alight

Police are investigating links to ongoing crime groups disputes after two tobacco stores 300m apart were destroyed by fire.

Police have launched an investigating after two tobacco stores were destroyed by two separate fires in Melbourne’s north.

Emergency services were called to the first business on Morgan Court in Glenroy about 4.15am on Friday.

A car was on fire outside the store. Picture: Instagram

Moments later, a second business 300m away on Belair was reportedly set on fire about 4.19am.

Two crime scenes have since been established as detectives from Taskforce Lunar investigate whether the incidents are linked.

An arson chemist is expected to attend both businesses on Friday.

Emergency crews were called to Glenroy after reports of two separate fires. Picture: NewsWire

The fires are believed to be linked to tobacco conflicts. Picture: Instagram

“The exact circumstances surrounding the fire are yet to be determined and police are treating it as suspicious,” a Victoria Police spokeswoman said.

The latest tobacco store fires come in the wake of a string of arson attacks on businesses across the city.

Taskforce Lunar was set up to investigate whether the long list of fires has anything to do with an ongoing dispute between organised crime groups.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Originally published as Glenroy, Melbourne: Tobacco war escalates as stores set alight