Police are investigating an arson attack at a Melbourne synagogue overnight.

Investigators said a man entered the grounds of the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation on Albert Street at about 8pm on Friday, poured a flammable liquid on the front door and set it alight.

There were about 20 people inside the synagogue at the time who evacuated through the building’s rear, police said.

No injuries have been reported.

Damage from the fire was contained to the front entrance.

“There is absolutely no place in our society for antisemitic or hate-based behaviour,” Victoria Police said in a statement.

Police said an arson chemist would visit the site today and police were searching for CCTV footage of the incident.

It is the second arson attack on a Jewish place of worship in Melbourne since December, when a fire destroyed the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea in the city’s inner south-east.

Last month, authorities raided a number of homes in Melbourne’s north in relation to the Adass Israel attack and released CCTV vision of the incident.

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Writing on social media, Victorian Liberal MP David Southwick called for action to protect the Jewish community.

“The perpetrators and organisers must be found and brought to justice,” he said.

Anyone with CCTV, dashcam footage or any information should contact Crime Stoppers online or on 1800 333 000.

Protesters gather at CBD restaurant

Meanwhile, police have condemned the actions of about 20 protesters, who gathered at Israeli-owned restaurant Miznon in Melbourne’s CBD on Friday night.

Police said about 70 protesters were gathered on Swanston Street in the evening before the smaller group continued to the Hardware Lane restaurant.

Investigators said the protesters shouted offensive chants and one 28-year-old from Footscray was arrested and released on summons for hindering police.

“Several other protesters were spoken to by police and had their identities clarified for the purpose of follow up investigation,” police said in a statement.

“Victoria Police continued to support the rights of Victorians to protest peacefully but will not tolerate the kind of anti-social and violent behaviour that was witnessed this evening.”