Charges over Craigieburn tobacco store arson

206998_01

An Epping man has been charged following an arson attack at a Craigieburn tobacco store in December.

The 32-year-old was arrested on Spencer Street in Docklands shortly before 11am on Thursday, February 6.

He was interviewed by police and charged with arson and theft of motor vehicle.

The man will appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

Police also executed search warrants were at residential addresses in Glenroy, Reservoir and Epping.

A 25-year-old Reservoir man was interviewed by police and is expected to be charged on summons.

The charges follow an incident where emergency services were called to a blaze at the Craigieburn Road store about 3.30am on Tuesday, December 10.

A number of men were seen exiting a black Holden Commodore parked directly outside the store, before throwing an accelerant into the store and setting it alight.

The shop sustained significant damage during the fire.

The same vehicle was stolen from an address in Bundoora about 1.20am that morning.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with any information about serious and organised crime linked to the illicit tobacco trade is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au