A sleeping Melbourne resident narrowly escaped a potentially deadly blaze when a smoke shop was firebombed early this morning. Around 4 am, a car pulled up outside Cotton Mouth on Bridge Road in Richmond. A man smashed a window and set the store on fire. Quick-thinking workers from the bakery next door raised the alarm, leading to a prompt response from emergency services.
Neighbors described hearing loud commotion as the fire erupted, but fortunately, the resident living above the shop managed to flee unharmed with his dog. The shop, which has been in operation for just a year, sells medicinal cannabis products and paraphernalia, not tobacco. The incident is believed to be related to an ongoing feud between Middle Eastern crime gangs over the illicit tobacco trade.
As investigations continue, neighboring businesses fear the impact on their livelihoods. Manager Sam Razis expressed concern for their business, Little Frenchie and Co, urging those responsible to cease the attacks. Stay safe and watch the Olympic Games Paris 2024 live on Channel 9 and 9Now.