A fire at a Melbourne ice cream shop is being treated as suspicious by police, who are investigating dozens of arson attacks on stores.
Emergency services were called to the blaze at Capriccio Gelateria on Nelson Place in Williamstown about 3.45am on Friday.
Police believe offenders damaged the shopfront before setting it alight.
Firefighters were able to contain the blaze within minutes, stopping it from spreading to neighbouring businesses.
But the store and the apartment situated above sustained significant damage.
Fire Rescue Victoria crews remained at the scene until 6.45am before handing it over to police.
Detectives from Taskforce Lunar, charged with investigating organised crime groups and their involvement in the illicit tobacco trade, are treating the fire as targeted and are determining if it's related to other recent fires.
It comes after the Williamstown Ice Creamery & Frozen Yoghurt store was firebombed twice in 24 hours in November 2023.
There have also been multiple arson attacks on tobacco shops around Melbourne in the past year.
Police believe the rise in suspicious tobacco store fires is linked to conflict between rival Middle Eastern organised crime groups and outlaw motorcycle gangs.
Anyone who witnessed the fire or has CCTV or dashcam footage is being urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
Australian Associated Press
