Machete-armed trio on the run after attempted arson attack in Melbourne

Police are on the hunt for three men armed with machetes who attempted to set a tobacco shop on fire, sparking wild scenes on a Melbourne street.

Three men armed with machetes are on the run after an attempted arson attack on a tobacco shop in Melbourne.

CCTV footage showed three men dressed in hoodies exiting a dark blue Holden Commodore station wagon, holding machetes and a jerry can before walking towards the tobacco shop about 11.20pm on Sunday on Racecourse Rd, Flemington.

Officers were told the three men doused the front and back of the business with a liquid and tried to set it on fire.

After failing to set the liquid alight, the trio assaulted two staff members before fleeing the scene, police said.

CCTV footage captures men outside a tobacconist in Flemington before an attempted arson attack. Picture: Supplied

Footage showed two of the tobacco shop staff members chasing after the group, one of them armed with an axe.

The staff member was seen in the video swinging at the vehicle and smashing its windows as it drove away in a northerly direction.

Police are investigating the incident.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online.

Originally published as Machete-armed trio on the run after attempted arson attack in Melbourne