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Cops mystified by armed men

Two men with a shotgun were on the run in Doreen on Friday morning. Epping police were called to Garden Road about 1.30am after a motorist saw the men running, one of them carrying the weapon. They were described as “young”, but little else is known about their appearance. Sergeant Ray Camilleri said a 90-minute search by the dog squad and eight police units failed to find the pair. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Tip row goes to VCAT

A five-day hearing before the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) was held last week on four matters involving the Bulla tip and quarry. Two residents of Bulla’s Batey Court, on the tip’s north-eastern side, spoke about what they said was the tip operator’s “complete disregard for community and amenity”. Issues debated included the tip operator’s handling of a fire that has allegedly burned for 20 years and dust, smoke and litter in nearby streets. Hume council’s issuing of a two-year permit extension in April last year was also discussed. Decisions are expected this week.

Fawkner fire

MFB firefighters worked to contain a unit fire from spreading to neighbouring properties in Fawkner on Saturday night. It took 40 minites to control the fire, which destroyed the single storey brick unit just before midnight. The damage bill is expected to exceed $120,000.

Breathing apparatus was in use.

The cause will be investigated.