Police investigate suspicious Melbourne fires
An investigation is under way after a string of fires across Melbourne have been classed as “suspicious.”
At about 4am on Friday, emergency services were called to a business on Hogans Rd in Hoppers Crossing after reports of a fire.
The blaze ripped through a tobacco business, but there was no one inside at the time.
Victoria Police said the cause of the fire was still unknown, but it was being treated as suspicious.
They also said detectives were working to examine if the fire was linked to any other blazes that have targeted businesses across Melbourne.
“Those fires are currently under active investigation by the arson and explosives squad and detectives are following up a number of lines of inquiry,” Victoria Police said in a statement.
Specialist units will investigate the reasons for the fires and target the people responsible.
Officers are keen to speak with anyone who might have CCTV or dashcam footage in the Hoppers Crossing area.
They would also like to speak to anyone with information about the other recent fires.
Detective Inspector Chris Murray said those responsible for the fires had the police’s attention.
“We have been very open about the fact there is currently a significant investigation into a number of recent suspicious fires across Melbourne and that police have a strong focus on this criminality,” he said.
“If you are engaged in this type of offending for any reason at the moment then rest assured, you have our full attention. With each and every arson that occurs on tobacco stores our interest and involvement increases.
“So far we have seen millions of dollars of damage caused by these fires, with much of it impacting innocent parties. It is only due to luck that we haven’t seen anyone killed or seriously injured.”
Anyone with information is urged to come forward to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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