Victoria
Police investigate suspected overnight arson attacks in Melbourne north-west
Victoria Police are investigating after a home in Essendon and a nearby business were targeted in suspected arson attacks overnight.
Victoria Police are investigating two suspected arson attacks that occurred overnight in Melbourne's north-west, targeting a residential property and a nearby business.
According to wire reports, the first incident took place at a house in the suburb of Essendon, before offenders struck a commercial premises located just a few kilometres away. Investigators are treating both blazes as suspicious and are working to establish if they are connected.
At this stage of the inquiry, many details surrounding the double incident remain unconfirmed. Authorities have not released the specific address of the Essendon home, nor have they identified the name or type of business that was targeted in the subsequent attack. The exact suburb where the business is located has also not been publicly disclosed, beyond its close proximity to Essendon.
It is not yet known what time emergency services were first called to the scenes, or how much damage was caused to the structures. Authorities have not stated whether anyone was inside either the home or the business when the fires were lit, and there are currently no reports of injuries.
No arrests have been made, and police have not released descriptions of any suspects or vehicles seen in the vicinity of either location. Arson chemists and detectives are expected to inspect both locations to gather physical evidence and determine the exact cause of the fires.
Police are expected to provide further updates as forensic testing of both crime scenes gets underway today.
This report draws on original reporting by Wire report.
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