Police are searching for those responsible for a firebombing at an Asian grocery store in Melbourne’s west overnight.
Emergency services were called to Asia Lane Grocery on Ballarat Road in Deer Park shortly before 11pm.
The shop’s front door and window were smashed before a fire broke out inside the business.
No one was inside at the time and police are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the blaze.
Multiple fire crews responded to the incident and brought the fire under control within five minutes.
The blaze caused damage to the shopfront and burnt a number of grocery products inside the store.
“It is understood unknown offenders gained access to the business on Ballarat Road just before 11pm,” a police spokesperson said.
“There was no one inside at the time.”
The incident comes after a neighbouring business was closed on Friday over the suspected sale of illicit tobacco.
A Victoria Police notice displayed on the shopfront outlined the reason for the closure.
There is no suggestion that the closure of the neighbouring business is connected to the fire at Asia Lane Grocery.
Melbourne has experienced a string of arson attacks linked to the illegal tobacco trade over the past three years.
Businesses and other properties have been targeted during the ongoing dispute, which has become known as Melbourne’s tobacco wars.
Investigators are working to identify those responsible.