Melbourne faces surge in arson and firebombing attacks

Melbourne is experiencing a wave of arson attacks and firebombings targeting businesses and vehicles. On Monday morning, a tobacco shop in Fitzroy North was firebombed, causing explosions and spreading flames to adjacent businesses. Approximately 30 firefighters were required to control the blaze, which gutted the store. A dark vehicle was observed fleeing the scene, and police are treating the incident as suspicious.

This attack follows a series of violent incidents across the city. In Taylors Hill, a 13-year-old boy remains in critical condition after a suspected firebombing of two cars. In a separate incident, a 15-year-old boy is being treated in the hospital for burns following a fire at a fast food restaurant in Heatherton.

Authorities are also investigating a suspicious fire in Craigieburn involving a vehicle in a driveway, as well as a break-in and fire at a Korean barbecue restaurant in Springvale. Recent weeks have seen multiple cars torched and various businesses targeted by ramraids and arson.