DEER PARK, MELBOURNE — Police have launched a major arson investigation after a group of offenders firebombed a local grocery store on Ballarat Road in Deer Park late Monday night, leaving the business severely damaged and sending shockwaves through Melbourne's west.
Emergency services were called to the scene around 11:00 PM following multiple triple-zero calls reporting loud explosions and flames tearing through the front entrance of the commercial property. Witnesses reported seeing multiple individuals clad in dark clothing approach the premises shortly before 11:00 PM. The group allegedly smashed through the front glass windows before hurling incendiary devices into the building, triggering an immediate and violent blaze.
"I heard a massive bang and saw bright orange light flooding the street," said a nearby resident. "By the time I looked out my window, a group was running away toward a getaway vehicle, and the entire front of the shop was swallowed by flames."
More than 30 firefighters arrived within minutes to find the interior of the grocery store well alight. Crews worked swiftly to contain the blaze, preventing the fire from spreading to adjacent retail shops along the busy Ballarat Road strip, though the store sustained extensive structural damage and severe smoke impact.
Arson and Explosives Squad detectives, along with forensic investigators, established a crime scene overnight to examine the point of entry and gather leftover remnants of the explosive devices. Authorities believe the attack was targeted, though a motive has not yet been formally confirmed. Investigators are currently reviewing surrounding CCTV footage and dash cam video from motorists traveling along Ballarat Road around 11:00 PM.
Police have urged anyone who observed suspicious behavior or vehicles parked near the intersection prior to the incident to contact Crime Stoppers immediately.
The targeted attack comes amid a growing wave of commercial arson incidents across Melbourne's western suburbs, raising heightened concerns among local business owners regarding public safety and commercial security. Regional business groups have called for an increased police presence along major retail corridors, while community leaders urge residents to remain vigilant as detectives work to identify those responsible.
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