In short:
Two people have been arrested after a shop fire on Wool Street in Tarneit, with police locating a dumped vehicle nearby. The investigation remains ongoing as officers work to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the blaze.
Tarneit Fire Investigation Underway
Police have arrested two people after a fire damaged a shop in Tarneit early this morning.
Emergency services were called to Wool Street about 2.30am following reports of a fire at a shop. Fire crews extinguished the blaze at the unoccupied premises, which sustained significant damage.
The Gelateria which opened early in 2025 has been left extensively damaged, with the entry door smashed, the ice cream counter destroyed, and the entire front window blown out.
CCTV footage shows intruders inside the premises lighting an accelerant, with the force of the ignition blowing out the front window.
The shop owner was monitoring the incident via CCTV and called his brother as the events unfolded. His brother then followed the offenders and contacted police, assisting officers in locating the alleged culprits.
Business owner Mahmoud Haddara said he is devastated but wanted to assure his customers he will be opening again very soon despite the setback and thanks the community for all the phone calls and support.
Investigators were told up to three offenders fled the scene in a Toyota LandCruiser, which was later found dumped at the intersection of Dohertys Road and Mount Cottrell Road in Mount Cottrell.
Police say a search of the area involving general duties officers, the Critical Incident Response Team, Dog Squad and Air Wing led to two males being taken into custody about 5am.
One of the males, a 17-year-old boy from the Greater Dandenong area, was taken to hospital after being bitten by a police dog.
Both are expected to be interviewed later this morning.
A crime scene has been established and an arson chemist is expected to attend the fire scene later this morning.
The investigation remains ongoing.
