3 months ago
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Police say a suspicious fire that started when a car drove into a building in Orelia in the early hours of Friday morning may be linked to the sale of illicit tobacco and vape products.
Detectives say they are treating the incident as a targeted attack.
Firefighters at the scene of a fire in Orelia on Friday morning.Credit: 9News Perth
A beauty store was badly damaged by the crash and the fire, however no one was reported injured in the blaze.
Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan McCuggon said police were treating the fire as suspicious, and the premises “was previously associated with illicit tobacco and vape products”.
“This incident in Orelia is being investigated as a targeted attack, so we have the capability to identify and apprehend individuals who commit these offences,” he said.
“We will find you and we will bring you to justice.
“We will be relentless in our pursuit of the individuals responsible for this attack.”
Neighbouring business Martins Store and Convenience was targeted in a similar manner seven months ago.
However, police said any link between the two incidents was still under investigation.
McGuggon said detectives from the serious and organised crime division were seeking the public’s help in relation to the incident.
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“Upon police arrival, officers located a white Ford Territory ablaze inside the premises,” he said.
“The fire caused extensive damage to the building, which was fully engulfed in flames.
“Emergency services have attended and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services extinguished the fire. No one was inside the premises at the time of the incident.”
McCuggon said WA Police had zero tolerance for criminal activity that put the community at risk.
“Let me be clear, deliberately setting a fire in a public space is reckless, dangerous, and it will not be tolerated,” he said.
“This type of behaviour endangers lives and harms the community.
“Thankfully in this instance, no one was harmed and no one was in the premises at the time.
“Anyone with information or footage in relation to this incident is asked to contact Crime Stoppers, and these reports will be submitted anonymously.”
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