Detectives probe restaurant fire, arson attacks link

It's understood three offenders smashed the window of the Glenti Place restaurant before using a suspected accelerant to set it alight.

The trio were seen running from the scene before leaving in a vehicle.

A crime scene has been established with an arson chemist and investigators to assess the scene later on Friday morning.

Detectives will probe whether the fire is linked to a recent series of arson attacks.

There have been 29 arsons or attempted arsons over the past eight months, predominantly linked to tobacco stores in Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Officers have previously said the serious incidents and firebombings are linked to a conflict between rival groups.

The dispute is believed to include members of Middle Eastern organised crime groups and outlaw motorcycle gangs that use youths, street gangs and low-level criminals to carry out offending.

Anyone who witnessed the Docklands fire or saw someone acting suspiciously in the area should contact police.