Andy's Place cafe damaged by suspicious fire after shooting

Last updated: 13 July 2026 at 5:42am

A Melbourne cafe allegedly sprayed with bullets on Friday has been badly damaged by a suspicious fire just three days later. Emergency crews were called to Andy's Place on Mount Alexander Road in Essendon North about 1am on Monday, with the blaze also damaging the neighbouring post office. No-one was inside the cafe, but police have established another crime scene at the property.

What We Know So Far

Victoria Police are treating the fire as suspicious. Investigators were told a dark-coloured SUV was seen leaving the area, while an arson chemist was expected to examine the scene later on Monday. The blaze caused significant damage to the cafe and the post office beside it.

The fire followed an alleged drive-by shooting at the same business about 2:45am on Friday, 10 July. Police officers on patrol reported seeing multiple shots fired into the cafe before a Toyota Kluger left the scene. CCTV cited by Nine showed at least eight shots directed towards the business, smashing several glass panels.

The police Air Wing tracked the vehicle through Keilor and Taylors Lakes. It was found parked on Mahon Court, after which its occupants allegedly entered a property on Old Calder Highway. Officers arrested two Keilor Downs men, aged 18 and 20, without incident.

The Kluger had allegedly been stolen from Macleod on 15 May. The two men were later charged with offences including discharging a firearm in a public place, criminal damage and theft of a motor vehicle. Police have not disclosed whether investigators believe the shooting and Monday's fire were carried out for the same reason.

The Response

Cafe owner Raymond Yacoub said after the shooting that he did not know why the business had been targeted and believed it may have been attacked by mistake. He told the ABC he had never previously experienced trouble with customers or anyone else.

“It's terrible. A disaster,”

“I've never had any issues with customers or with anyone and suddenly out of the blue it happened.”

A woman working nearby also described the shooting as unsettling, saying it did not make her feel secure at work. The second serious incident within three days is likely to deepen concern among neighbouring traders and residents, particularly because both events occurred during the early hours.

What It Means for You

For people in Essendon North, the immediate impact extends beyond one business. The fire damaged a neighbouring post office, while crime-scene examinations and emergency work may affect access around the Mount Alexander Road site.

The case also shows why footage and eyewitness accounts can matter in fast-moving investigations. Anyone who saw the fire, the dark-coloured SUV or Friday's shooting has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential online report.

Coming Up

An arson chemist is due to inspect the cafe as police investigate the cause and origin of the fire. Detectives are also continuing inquiries into the alleged shooting and have not announced a motive for either incident.

Authorities are seeking information from anyone who witnessed suspicious activity near Mount Alexander Road around 1am on Monday or who has relevant footage from the area.

At a Glance

• Andy's Place in Essendon North caught fire about 1am on Monday.
• Police are treating the blaze as suspicious, and a dark-coloured SUV was reportedly seen leaving.
• The cafe and a neighbouring post office sustained significant damage.
• The same cafe was allegedly targeted in a drive-by shooting three days earlier.
• Two Keilor Downs men, aged 18 and 20, were charged over the alleged shooting.
• Police are asking witnesses to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.