Authorities in Victoria are looking into a suspected arson attack that occurred at a tobacco store in Mooroopna, a town in northern Victoria. Early on Thursday morning, a motorist reported seeing smoke coming from the store around 3 am, prompting a response from emergency services. Witnesses stated that a man was spotted fleeing the scene in a small red hatchback just before the fire was detected, raising suspicions about the cause of the blaze.

This incident comes on the heels of another suspicious fire that took place on February 3, involving a separate tobacco store within the same shopping strip. In that earlier incident, reports indicate that a grey Ford Ranger Wildtrak truck crashed into the shop before it was set ablaze, leading investigators to consider a potential pattern of arson targeting these establishments. Both cases are being thoroughly examined by an arson chemist and detectives who are working to determine any connections.

The Victoria Police have urged community members who might have information, dash cam footage, or who witnessed the incidents to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation. As the inquiry unfolds, local residents are left concerned about the safety and security of businesses in their area, particularly those similar to the targeted tobacco store.