'It's devastating,' says owner of Scarborough auto shop where several vehicles were found on fire

Toronto police are investigating a suspected arson after several vehicles were on fire at an auto body shop parking lot in Scarborough early Monday morning. 

Officers responded to the fire near Sheppard Avenue E. and McCowan Road around 1:50 a.m., police said in news release. 

Next Gear Auto Group owner Danny Uruthiran says he received a call from police shortly thereafter. He headed to the scene, where he said he saw many cars on fire. 

"It's devastating," he said. "We're here more than 15 years. I've never had this kind of incident."

Seven to eight vehicles were on fire, Toronto Fire crews said. 

Uruthiran says a couple of the cars were insurance repairs and a couple of others were from direct customers. He says the incident is "unjustifiable."

"I have no clue why they came and why they did these things," Uruthiran said.

In footage shown to CBC Toronto by the owner, two individuals can be seen entering the scene and pouring a liquid onto vehicles before setting them on fire.

The suspects were wearing all dark clothing and holding jerry cans, police said in the news release.

Urithian says the auto shop had just been able to get back on its feet post-pandemic. 

"Now everything is messed up," he said.

There were no reported injuries.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.