An armed arson attack took place at a tobacco shop in Glenroy, Melbourne, which has been previously targeted in similar incidents. Police reported that just before 10 PM, two men entered the shop; one of them was armed with a shotgun. The offenders poured petrol on the floor of the store and ignited it, which prompted two staff members inside to bravely act and extinguish the fire. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and the quick response likely prevented further damage.

The assailants fled the scene in a white sedan, which was later discovered burnt out in nearby Becket Street. This incident is part of a disturbing trend in Victoria, as the Gang Crime Squad has noted that there have been over 120 fires at tobacco shops since March 2023. The ongoing investigations by the Victoria Police will look into possible connections to previous arson incidents involving this particular shop, raising concerns about the safety of local businesses.

As detectives and an arson chemist work at the scene, the police have appealed to the public for information or footage related to the crime. The community's involvement could prove crucial in tracking down the perpetrators and addressing the surge in such violent acts against tobacco retailers in the area, highlighting the broader implications of crime on community safety and business operations.