Melbourne cafe hit by fire days after alleged shooting

A cafe in Melbourne's northern suburbs is under investigation for a suspicious fire that occurred overnight, just three days after it was allegedly targeted in a drive-by shooting. The blaze caused substantial damage to the establishment and a neighboring post office on Mount Alexander Road.

Emergency services were alerted to the fire shortly after 1 am. Upon arrival, they found the cafe significantly engulfed in flames. Firefighters worked to contain the blaze, but the damage was extensive. A crime scene has since been established at the cafe, and Victoria Police confirmed that an arson chemist will examine the site later today.

Investigators are reportedly looking into a dark-colored SUV seen fleeing the scene around the time of the fire. This incident follows closely on the heels of an alleged drive-by shooting that occurred on Friday. Bullet holes were still visible on the cafe's exterior glass panes as firefighters battled the flames, underscoring the recent violence directed at the business.

Victoria Police stated that no individuals were inside the cafe when the fire broke out. Two men from Keilor Downs have been charged in connection with the alleged shooting incident. Authorities are appealing to the public for any information regarding either the fire or the shooting, urging witnesses to contact Crime Stoppers.