Suspicious fire destroys grocery store in Melbourne's west

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 01:03 · Archive

A suspicious fire destroyed a grocery store on Ballarat Road in Deer Park, Melbourne, early on Friday.

Firefighters battled the fire at the shopping strip after emergency services were called to the grocery store on Ballarat Road in Deer Park about 1.35am on Friday. The single-fronted shop was engulfed in flames when Fire Response Victoria arrived within four minutes. Crews wearing breathing apparatus established hose lines and attacked the blaze, containing it to the shop of origin and preventing further fire spread. The fire was deemed under control at 2.21am.

No one was inside the grocery store at the time, though a witness required treatment for smoke inhalation. Police reported that a group of offenders broke into the store minutes before the fire started, then fled the scene in a utility vehicle. The shop of origin sustained significant damage whilst five surrounding businesses sustained smoke damage.

The grocery store sat next to a tobacco shop that was recently shut as part of the Victorian government's crackdown on illegal tobacco traders. A closure notice on the adjacent shop had been defaced with a large cross and profanities written underneath. Police are investigating the fire as suspicious and appealing for information.

How it is being reported

• Manhunt after suspicious fire tears through grocery store in Deer ParkThe fire destroyed the grocery store, which is located next to a shop recently shut amid a crackdown on illegal tobacco.Perth Now · 23 Oct, 00:38
• Manhunt after suspicious fire tears through grocery store in Deer ParkThe fire destroyed the grocery store, which is located next to a shop recently shut amid a crackdown on illegal tobacco.The West Australian · 23 Oct, 00:38

In this story: Deer Park · Melbourne · Victoria · Fire Response Victoria · Crime Stoppers

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