Cops probe tobacco wars link to fire
Detectives are investigating whether a vape and tobacco store in Melbourne’s north was the target of an arson attack.
Emergency services were called to a commercial property on Millers Rd in Epping about 5.30am on Friday after a suspicious fire broke out inside local business, Flavour House.
Four CFA units from Epping and Eltham responded to the fire near Cooper St and were able to control the blaze within ten minutes of their arrival. The area was declared safe shortly before 7.18am.
Lunar Taskforce detectives remained at the scene on Friday morning and will continue to investigate the cause of the blaze.
“The circumstances surrounding the fire are yet to be determined, including which store may have been the target of the fire,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.
“Investigators will look at any possible links to other recent fires.”
The incident comes as Melbourne has been rocked by dozens of arson attacks, believed to be connected to illicit tobacco sales.
No one was inside the building when the blaze broke out.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000
