Asian grocer firebombed in Melbourne's west - ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation

The shop was set alight just before 11pm. (ABC News: Ethan White)

An Asian grocer in Melbourne's west has been damaged in what police have described as a firebombing, with offenders still on the run.

The Asia Lane Grocery in Deer Park was set alight just before 11pm yesterday.

Multiple fire trucks attended the scene, and firefighters worked quickly to extinguish the blaze.

Fire crews brought it under control within five minutes.

The shopfront's glass door and window were smashed in, and many of the grocery items inside were burnt.

Firefighters and police attended the suspicious fire at Deer Park. (ABC News)

Police said an investigation into the incident was ongoing as they tried to find those responsible.

"It is understood unknown offenders gained access to the business on Ballarat Road just before 11pm," a spokesperson said.

"There was no one inside at the time."

Local shop owner, Henlui Tng, who lives in an apartment above his shop on Ballarat Road, said he smelt smoke at roughly 10pm.

"When I woke up I smelt something. I thought something inside my house was burning," he said.

Many items from the grocery store were damaged. (ABC News)

A shop next door was closed on Friday due to the suspected sale of illegal tobacco.

"This one was closed on Friday," Mr Tng said.

"This notice is issued because I reasonably suspect that illicit tobacco is being sold or otherwise on the premises," a Victorian Police notice posted on the shopfront stated.

Numerous venues across Melbourne have been caught in the crossfire of the illegal cigarette trade, dubbed the tobacco wars, over the past three years.

Anyone with information about the Asian grocer firebombing is urged to contact CrimeStoppers.