A shisha bar in Melbourne’s north-east has been torched moments after a gun was held to a worker’s head.
Two customers were also inside Arabian Lounge and Cafe in Noble Park when two men disguised in balaclavas stormed the business about 11.40pm yesterday.
The men pointed a firearm at a staff member’s head, demanding the hard drives for the CCTV.
“They took him hostage, they ask him to go out and go to the right of the shop,” Arabian Lounge and Cafe owner Sunny Singh told 9News.
The customers managed to escape before the men poured accelerant across the floor and set it alight, causing significant damage to the building.
Singh has only owned the business for a matter of months and recently spent $250,000 on renovations.
“There was a new pool table which came the day before yesterday,” he said.
This is the second time the business has been targeted this year.
In March, a vehicle was used to ram the shop front, causing the car and shop to catch fire.
No arrests have been made.