Montreal restaurant target of arson overnight

Montreal police arson squad (SPVM) is investigating after an arson attack downtown targeting a restaurant overnight.

Around 1:30 a.m. Thursday, firefighters requested assistance from the SPVM at the scene of a fire at a restaurant on Drummond Street, between Sainte-Catherine Street and René-Lévesque Blvd.

Flames were quickly brought under control by firefighters, who have a station right next door to the restaurant and were able to respond immediately.

An incendiary object was found inside, leading authorities to believe that the origin of the fire is criminal in nature.

“According to the first information collected by the police on site, a suspect smashed the window of the business and threw an incendiary object inside and then fled on foot,” said Véronique Dubuc, a SPVM spokesperson.

There was no one inside at the time of the fire, and no reported injuries.

Overall, the damage to the restaurant is minor, according to authorities.

No arrests have been made so far.

The file was transferred to the Montreal police arson squad.

This fire comes less than 24 hours after two pizzerias were targeted with Molotov cocktails in Saint-Eustache and Blainville.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews