Iconic Melbourne Venue The Tote Fire-Bombed In Early-Morning Attack [UPDATED]

One of Melbourne's best-loved music venue was allegedly fire-bombed in the early hours of this morning.

Fairfax are reporting that a molotov cocktail was thrown inside The Tote in Collingwood, a section of which on the corner of Johnston and Wellington streets is currently sealed off by police and firefighters.

The damage was discovered by staff when they arrived at the venue at 11am today.

Today the venue's co-owner Jon Perring told theMusic.com.au that while the incident was “very uncool” it was “business as usual”. He said that the only real damage was a toilet in the men's bathrooms, the plastic system of which has melted. “Punters may notice a change in the aroma of the men's toilets,” Perring admitted.

Police are expected to release CCTV footage of a male from 2am this morning which they believe to be the offender.

The Tote is a staple of the Melbourne music scene and was the catalyst for the dramatic SLAM Rally.

Perring also added that he hoped to get some Smoke On The Water jokes out of the attack.

UPDATE TUESDAY 30 OCT: Melbourne radio station 3AW have posted the CCTV footage of the attack. Police are calling for witnesses.