UPDATE | Police are looking for an arsonist believed to be responsible for a massive fire at a Gold Coast shopping centre.
A man was seen near a tobacco store in Ashmore Plaza just before it was firebombed around 4.00am on Wednesday.
Multiple crews were called to the blaze, which was so intense it spread to other neighbouring businesses, causing substantial damage.
Queensland Police are now appealing for anyone who may have seen the man or may have relevant footage from the nearby area to come forward.
A crime scene remains in place at the shopping centre and there is still some lingering smoke in the area.
EARLIER | Fire crews have rushed to a Gold Coast shopping centre in the early hours of Wednesday morning after a massive fire broke out.
It’s believed the blaze started in a tobacco shop inside Ashmore Shopping Plaza just before 4.00am before spreading to a neighbouring business.
At least five crews spent around an hour working to extinguish the blaze and they remain there now working to clear out the scene.
Paramedics are on standby but say nobody has needed treatment at this stage.
Queensland Police have confirmed the blaze is being treated as suspicious.
A crime scene has been declared and investigations are continuing.
