Two children were taken to hospital with smoke inhalation after a car crashed into a Port Melbourne store in the early hours of Monday morning, starting a fire.
At around 1:30 a.m., emergency crews were called to a hair salon on Bay Street after reports that a vehicle had driven into the establishment.
According to Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV), more than 30 firefighters fought the fire, which was brought under control shortly after 2am.
The vehicle and the business were destroyed in the fire, which the police find suspicious.
More than 30 firefighters fought the fire at a hair salon in Port Melbourne. (ABC News)
A resident above the hair salon was able to evacuate, and two children from a nearby apartment building were taken to hospital for observation.
Victoria Police said investigators were informed that a person ran away from the scene of the accident and the subsequent fire.
A crime scene has been secured and police are investigating whether the incident is connected to other, more recent fires.
According to FRV, the salon was significantly damaged by the accident and the fire, which also spread to the ground floor of the building.
An arsonist and detectives will be on site.
Anyone who witnessed the accident or has information is asked to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.
