Tullamarine tobacco store firebombed as police investigate fifth suspicious blaze at an ice creamery
A tobacco store in Tullamarine has been firebombed for the second time in eight days, as police investigate the fifth suspicious blaze to occur at a Williamstown ice cream store.
Emergency services were called to a fire at a tobacco store on Melrose Dr in Tullamarine about 1.20am on Wednesday.
Police believe the offenders used a vehicle to smash through a roller door, then poured an accelerant into the shop and set it alight causing extensive damage to the store.
It is the second time the Tullamarine tobacco store has been targeted following another incident which occurred just over a week ago.
Police patrolling the area saw flames coming from the tobacco store about 5.20am on April 22.
Arson and Explosive Squad detectives believe the two arson attacks are linked.
Detective Inspector Chris Murray it was another example of reckless conduct which could have gone horribly wrong, with lives potentially lost.
“The significant risk this poses to the broader community is completely unacceptable,” he said.
“While we continue to work with Taskforce Lunar to do absolutely everything we can to target those responsible – the facilitators all the way to those at the top of the syndicates – we need the public’s help.
“If you see anything suspicious, if you have any information, if you know a store is selling illicit tobacco, please come forward and speak to police.”
Emergency services were called to a fire at the Willi Homemade Ice Cream and Açai store on Nelson Pl in Williamstown about 2.20am.
Hobsons Bay Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the fire which they believe is suspicious.
No one was inside at the time of the incident.
Company records show the store is linked to the Haddara family in Melbourne, which allegedly has ties to the city’s tobacco war.
It is the fifth suspicious blaze to occur at an ice cream store in Williamstown.
The Herald Sun reported the ice cream store next door to the Willi Homemade Ice Cream was allegedly firebombed about 12 months ago, and another Williamstown ice creamery was allegedly hit by arsonists three times last year.
Police have asked anyone with information or footage to contact Crime Stoppers.