Police are investigating a suspicious fire at a well-known Greek restaurant in Melbourne’s inner west.
Victoria Police said offenders drove a car into the back of Eleni’s Kitchen and Bar in Anderson Street, Yarraville, at about 4:30am and set the vehicle alight.
The offenders then fled in a second vehicle.
Nobody was in the restaurant at the time of the fire and police said their investigation was ongoing.
It’s the second time the restaurant has been subjected to a suspected arson attack in less than a year.
Police say the offenders fled in a second vehicle after starting the fire. (ABC News: Danielle Bonica)
A crime scene is in place and an arson chemist will visit the scene later this morning.
Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) said 18 firefighters attended the blaze, which was brought under control in about 20 minutes.
Police said a vehicle was driven into the restaurant in Yarraville and set alight. (ABC News)
FRV Commander Callum Donoghue said the fire was prevented from spreading into neighbouring buildings.
“There’s been significant damage to one part of the restaurant, the lower floor of the restaurant, and the access has also been compromised as well,” he told ABC Radio Melbourne.
“The neighbours were evacuated on scene for a short amount of time before being located back into their premises. The smoke damage and water damage was all contained to the building of origin.”
A building surveyor will assess the damage today.
The restaurant only reopened in November after a suspicious fire that severely damaged the venue and a neighbouring florist in June 2024.
Yarraville locals say the arson attacks in their local neighbourhood are unnerving. (ABC News)
Two women gathering with their families for a public holiday breakfast at a nearby cafe said the second attack was unnerving.
“It’s quite confronting and I guess it raises questions,” one woman said.
“This is our local community. We don’t like to see this happen especially when we come down here with family.”
“Particularly with kids, to be able to see that can be a little uncomfortable,” another said.
“Hopefully this is the last time it happens.”
Yarraville resident Levi says the second attack is concerning. (ABC News)
Levi lives close to the restaurant.
He described it as a welcoming family-run business that was always packed with locals.
“[The owners are] really community orientated. We go there regularly and they know us by name and they get to know you personally as well by name. It’s pretty shocking.
“If it’s happening to a business that’s so happy and so popular, and especially a family business, it’s scary.”
Police have asked anyone who witnessed the fire or has CCTV footage to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.
