Police are investigating a suspected firebombing at an Asian grocery store in Melbourne's west after the business was set alight overnight.
The Asia Lane Grocery on Ballarat Road in Deer Park was targeted shortly before 11pm, with emergency services responding to reports of a fire at the premises. Multiple fire trucks attended the scene and firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze.
Police believe unknown offenders gained access to the business shortly before the fire started. No one was inside the grocery store when the incident occurred, and no injuries have been reported.
The fire caused significant damage to the front of the business. The glass door and window were smashed, while a number of grocery products inside the store were damaged or destroyed by fire.
Investigators are treating the incident as a suspected firebombing and are working to establish exactly how the offenders entered the premises and what motivated the attack. Police have not publicly identified any suspects in connection with the incident.
The incident occurred in a commercial area of Deer Park, where emergency crews attended during the late evening. The fire was brought under control by firefighters, preventing the incident from becoming a larger blaze.
Police are now appealing for information from members of the public who may have witnessed suspicious activity around the business before or after the fire. Investigators are also expected to examine available CCTV footage and other evidence collected from the scene.
Authorities have urged anyone who may have information about the incident to contact Crime Stoppers.
The suspected firebombing has raised concerns for businesses in Melbourne's western suburbs, particularly those operating late into the evening. Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the attack and whether the business was specifically targeted.
Police have not announced any arrests as of Tuesday morning, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The incident comes amid continued police investigations into suspicious fires and property-related offences across Melbourne. Investigators will now work to identify those responsible and determine whether the incident is connected to any broader pattern of offending.
Residents and business owners in the area are being encouraged to report suspicious behaviour and provide relevant information to investigators.
The Asia Lane Grocery remains at the centre of the investigation as police assess the extent of the damage and gather evidence from the scene.
Anyone with information that could assist police is being asked to come forward.
