The fire-bombing of a home linked to a notorious underworld figure is among a string of arson attacks being investigated across Melbourne.
Firefighters were called to a home in Larch Street, Thomastown about 3am on Monday.
Flames were seen coming from the double-storey home, with 29 firefighters containing the blaze to the front two bedrooms on the first floor.
The property is reportedly linked to underworld figure, former Mongols bikie and professional boxer Suleiman “Sam“ Abdulrahim.
The home was empty at the time and the fire has been deemed suspicious, with police investigating.
Police were called to Larch Street in May over a drive-by shooting and failed attempt on Mr Abdulrahim’s life.
Detectives will investigate if there are any links to the fire-bombing of a Port Melbourne hairdresser on Monday morning.
A Porsche SUV was driven into the Bay Street shop about 1.30am with the shop then set alight.
The car and shop were destroyed by the fire.
A person living above the store fled the building and was not injured but two small children from a neighbouring home were taken to hospital for possible smoke inhalation.
Police have been told a person was seen running from the scene.
Melbourne’s long-running tobacconist fire-bombings also appears to be continuing with a Cairnlea shop in Melbourne’s northwest set alight about 6am.
“Investigators will look at any possible links to other recent fires,“ police said.
There were also fires in Richmond and Patterson Lakes overnight which police have deemed suspicious.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said she did not want to speculate on the cause of the blazes when asked if it was a matter of time before someone lost their life following repeated firebombings.
“Let’s not jump to conclusions,“ she told reporters on Monday.
“Let Victoria Police do their work.“
AAP
