A gift shop in Mooroopna was completely destroyed in what police say was a targeted arson attack.
A Mooroopna gift shop was set alight in what police say was a targeted arson attack in the early hours of Tuesday, February 3.
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Shepparton police said a grey Ford Ranger was reversed into the front of Mooroopna Giftware at 69-73 McLennan St about 4.40am.
A Ford Ranger was reversed into the shop’s front before an occupant from the vehicle allegedly set it alight.
Police believe the Ranger was travelling in convoy with a small black vehicle following it away from the scene.
The Ranger damaged the shutters, before a person went into the store and poured accelerant, police said.
The person then lit something on fire and threw it into the shop, setting the store alight, according to police.
Police said the Ranger then took off fast, followed closely by a small black car that had been travelling in convoy with it.
The shop was completely destroyed.
Police believe about three people were involved in the incident.
Police arrived at the fire scene only minutes after it started.
A CFA spokesperson said five CFA units attended the scene, alongside Fire Rescue Victoria units.
A vehicle reversed into the shop front before the store was doused in flammable liquid and set alight.
The fire was deemed under control at 5.18am and declared safe at 7.49am, but the shop was destroyed.
Police found the Ranger dumped on Watt Rd, with the vehicle seized and forensically examined by police.
A police arson chemist also conducted forensic analysis on the shop on Tuesday.
Police said it was believed several cars drove past on McLennan St around the time of the shop fire.
They are appealing for anyone who saw anything or who has dashcam footage in the area between 4.40am and 5am to contact Detective Senior Constable Elisha Basse at Shepparton Crime Investigation Unit on 5820 5777 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestoppersvic.com.au
One lane was closed in McLennan St on Tuesday morning.
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