A stash of tobacco may have been the motive behind an explosive fire at a shed.
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The Australian Taxation Office seized samples from a significant quantity of tobacco, stored in bales, at Delacombe, near Ballarat on Thursday afternoon.
Police discovered tobacco after a dramatic fire broke out at the factory at 12.45am Thursday.
Video footage shows five offenders driving a light coloured van to a locked Sutton Street compound just after midnight. Two offenders left the van and spent several minutes using machinery to break padlocks on the gate.
Five offenders are then seen running through the gates toward a medium-sized shed on the property. Close to an hour after their arrival the offenders are seen running away from the shed seconds before fireworks explode from the building.
Thunderous noises where heard from far and wide with people from as far away as Wendouree and Golden Point calling triple-0 to report the explosions from 1am onwards.
More than 30 firefighters and police were on scene almost all night. Police confirmed the lessee held a license to store fireworks at the premises.
Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Robert Parma said the Australian Taxation Office had been called after “significant quantity” of tobacco was discovered on site by investigating officers.
“We’re pursuing that as a possible motive (for the fire),” Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Parma said.
ATO officers, who were seen seizing samples, would not comment on the investigation, saying it was ongoing.
“As a result of what happened here today there have been some items located that led to involvement of cross-agencies including WorkSafe and the ATO,” Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Parma said.
Police confirmed the only people of interest were the five offenders identified in video footage and confirmed the property tenant was co-operating with agencies investigating the legality of the tobacco.
Rob, who owns the business located next to the fire, rushed to the scene just after 1am concerned his shed had been affected. He said there had been no trouble at the complex during his five months as a tenant.
“It sounded like World War III,” he said.
Investigations are ongoing. Anyone with information should call CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.
