POLICE and CFA experts are investigating the cause of a fire which extensively damaged a two-storey shop in Playne St, Frankston, and caused smoke damage to an adjoining shop, early Thursday morning (23 February).
Twelve firefighters from Frankston and Patterson River CFA brigades brought the fire under control in 15 minutes.
Senior Station Officer Doug Broom, of Frankston CFA, said police were called because the fire was deemed suspicious. Power and gas supply companies were asked to cut their services.
Smoke also damaged the adjoining Family Life business.
Senior Sergeant Michael Lamb, of Frankston police, said witnesses walking east along Playne St about 1am heard glass smashing at Wild Jasmine Thai Massage. When they crossed the road they realised the building was on fire.
A man with a “dark complexion and wearing a white T-shirt” seen standing out front walked off north along Young St. It is not known if the man is connected with the fire. Police searched the area but were unable to find him.
Frankston appliances remained at the scene for two hours before handing over to police at about 3.30am.