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A fruit and vegetable shop has been damaged in a suspicious blaze, after a car was set alight outside the store in Melbourne’s northern suburbs early on Tuesday.
Emergency services were called following reports of a car on fire at the corner of East and Middle streets in Hadfield at 3.10am.
Police are investigating a car fire in Hadfield, which spread to a fruit and vegetable shop.Credit: Nine News
The fire spread to Hadfield Finest Fruit & Veg, which was “significantly damaged”, according to police.
A spokeswoman for Fire Rescue Victoria said the car was reversed into the two-storey building, warping the store’s roller doors and breaking windows.
Firefighters discovered a LPG tank in the back of the vehicle.
No one was inside the building when the fire was lit, and no injuries have been reported.
Four crews of firefighters were called to the Hadfield blaze in the early hours of Tuesday. Credit: Nine News
The Age has attempted to contact the owners of the shop.
Police could not confirm whether the Hadfield fire was connected to a recent string of firebombing attacks on tobacco and vape stores across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
“At this early stage in the investigation, it’s not known whether this fire relates to the series of suspicious fires with suspected links to organised crime groups,” a Victoria Police media spokeswoman said.
A battle between Middle Eastern organised crime entities and motorcycle gangs over the illegal tobacco trade has been linked to 11 arson attacks on tobacconists dating back to March, which caused extensive damage to shops in Springvale, Moonee Ponds, Deer Park, Hoppers Crossing, Wodonga and Wangaratta.
Any witnesses, anyone with vision or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or anonymously at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
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