Tobacco shop destroyed in Melbourne arson attack amid firebombing spree

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 03:24 · Archive

A tobacco shop in Fitzroy North, Melbourne was destroyed in a firebombing at 3.45am on Monday, the latest in a week-long spate of arson attacks across the city.

A tobacco shop in Fitzroy North, Melbourne was destroyed when an explosion ripped through St Georges Road near Holden Street at 3.45am on Monday. The fire spread to neighbouring businesses. The shop was closed at the time. Police observed a dark vehicle leaving the scene. No arrests have been made in connection with this attack and investigations are ongoing.

The firebombing marks the second week of suspicious fires across Melbourne. Several cars have been set alight and businesses have been firebombed and ram-raided. The unrest began on 5 October when teenagers allegedly firebombed two cars in Taylors Hill. A 13-year-old boy attempting to flee in a white Hyundai Tucson was critically injured when the vehicle crashed into bushes. He underwent surgery and remained in critical condition a week later.

Three teenagers have been arrested in connection with the earlier attacks. Two 16-year-olds were charged with conduct endangering life, recklessly causing serious injury in circumstances of gross violence, and arson. One was additionally charged with theft of motor vehicle and committing an indictable offence while on bail. A 15-year-old was released and is expected to be charged on summons. A cosmetics business in Bundoora also had its front windows smashed in the early hours of Tuesday.

How it is being reported

• ‘Out of control’: Horror as arson attack rips through Fitzroy North tobacco shopThe city has been tormented by a spate of firebombings and arson attempts on buildings and cars in the past week.The West Australian · 12 Oct, 02:51
• ‘Out of control’: Horror as arson attack rips through Fitzroy North tobacco shopThe city has been tormented by a spate of firebombings and arson attempts on buildings and cars in the past week.Perth Now · 12 Oct, 02:51

In this story: Melbourne · Fitzroy North · Taylors Hill · Bundoora

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