Collingwood shop set on fire after windows smashed

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A Collingwood business was set alight in a suspected arson attack early Thursday morning after three people reportedly smashed the shop’s windows with hammers.

Victoria Police say emergency services were called to Smith Street in Melbourne’s inner north after a trio broke into a shop and started a fire, before fleeing in a silver SUV just before 3am.

Firefighters respond to a shop fire in Collingwood early Thursday morning.Credit: Nine News

The suspicious fire and break-in appeared to affect Sonsa Market, a local supermarket whose website says it is a family-owned business which has been operating since 1983.

Fire Rescue Victoria said firefighters arrived at the scene within six minutes of the fire being reported.

They quickly managed to contain the fire to the front of the building, with the blaze under control by 3.10am.

After it was extinguished, police found jerry cans nearby.

The smashed front of a Collingwood shop that suffered a suspected arson attack on Thursday.Credit: Nine News

Officers searched the area but were unable to locate the offenders.

The fire has been deemed suspicious and the investigation remains ongoing.

Police at the scene of a suspicious fire in Collingwood early Thursday morning.Credit: Nine News

Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen persons acting suspiciously or who may have seen a silver SUV in the area around the time of the fire, with information or CCTV/Dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

More to come.

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