Firefighters have had to help residents flee their homes late on Friday night after a tobacco shop was set alight in Melbourne’s south-east.
Police say a car was driven into a store on Como Parade in Mentone about 10:50pm, and a flammable liquid was then set alight.
Neighbours were forced to evacuate their apartments as the Mentone tobacco store was engulfed in flames. (Supplied: Abbey Scott)
The offenders fled in another vehicle.
The two-storey business was fully alight and spreading into the roof space when firefighters arrived, threatening neighbouring apartments along the strip.
Fire Rescue Victoria Commander Steve Morgan said crews had to help the residents evacuate through the back of the building.
“It was well and truly engulfed by the time we got there,” he said.
“Crews did a fantastic job to pull it up before it actually spread next door and caused any more damage.”
Commander Morgan said it took 35 firefighters about an hour and a half to bring the blaze under control, with the building starting to collapse.
“We’re extremely lucky that there was no-one hurt or injured in this.”
The fire caused the Mentone tobacco store to collapse. (ABC News)
Police are investigating and trying to work out who is responsible.
A spokesperson said detectives believed the offenders fled in a white Toyota Prado but they were also looking for a small red vehicle, possibly a hatchback, seen leaving the scene with the four-wheel-drive.
Fire crews remained at the scene on Saturday morning. looking for any flare-ups within the destroyed shop.
Anyone with footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.