A suspicious fire badly damaged a grocery store on Ballarat Road in Deer Park, in Melbourne's west, early on Friday. Fire crews reached the single-fronted shop within about four minutes and contained the blaze to the shop. Five neighbouring businesses suffered smoke damage. No one was inside the store, but a witness was treated for smoke inhalation. Police say a group broke into the grocery store minutes before the fire started, then fled in a utility. The fire is being treated as suspicious, and anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
Police are investigating a suspicious fire at a grocery store in Deer Park overnight. It is understood unknown offenders entered the business on Ballarat Road just before 1.35am. No one was inside, but a witness needed medical treatment at the scene for smoke inhalation. Fire Rescue Victoria said the fire was under control by 2.21am, and five nearby buildings suffered smoke damage. Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Jackson Bury has signed with Deer Park for next season in the Essendon District Football League premier division. The Maroochydore vice-captain, who earned an Anzac Day medal in the Queensland state league, is described as an attacking half back with polished skills by hand and foot. Deer Park says he will add to a defence already rich in talent. The club also highlighted that his cousins, club champions Trent and Jake McKenzie, play there, and that he is the second new recruit after Liam Podhajski.
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Police have charged a 24-year-old Deer Park man and an 18-year-old woman over an alleged assault in Sunshine earlier this month. Detectives executed a search warrant in Deer Park and arrested the pair. The man faces charges of intentionally causing injury, affray and unlawful assault, while the woman faces an affray charge. Both have been bailed to appear at Sunshine Magistrates’ court on 4 February 2027. A 27-year-old Mickleham man was found unconscious on Hampshire Road on 1 October and taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
