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Police are investigating whether a suspected arson attack on an ice cream shop in Melbourne's south-west is linked to organised crime.

It is the second time since 2024 the shop has been firebombed, having only reopened after the first attack five months ago.

Firefighters were called to reports of a fire at a a popular shopping and restaurant district on Nelson Place in Williamstown about 3.45am.

Multiple crews worked to extinguish the blaze at the ice creamery but the premises sustained "significant" damage, police said.

Residents were woken in the night to a frightening scene.

"The smoke was really unbearable, all of a sudden we could hear bangs," local resident Leo Raffoul said.

"It was really scary, we all had to be evacuated in the middle of the night, bring the children out on the street.

"The shop was unoccupied at the time of the fire, as was a residence above the business.

Police have established a crime scene.

Such attacks on ice cream shops have become more common in recent times.

Since late 2022, there have been at least six suspicious fires at ice cream shops on the Nelson Place strip, with another in Tarneit in Melbourne's west also set on fire.

The two attacks that happened in the last two days are believed to be linked to the notorious Haddara family.

Raffoul said residents were becoming frustrated with the recent attacks.

"We approached the council that they should put surveillance camera and [we're] really angry that they haven't done anything about it," he said.Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam or CCTV footage or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.