Police investigate suspicious fire in Preston, urging anyone with information to come forward

The blaze engulfed a building on High Street in Preston, which contained a number of vacant shops. (ABC News)

Police are investigating a fire that broke out at a building containing several vacant shops in Melbourne's north this morning.

Police described the blaze at the single-storey building on High Street in Preston as "suspicious."

They urged anyone with information to come forward.

Emergency services were called to the scene at about 3am. (ABC News)

Around 60 firefighters were called to the scene about 3am.

They fought the blaze for almost three hours until it was declared under control.

Firefighters evacuated residents from an apartment building next door, due to concerns they were at risk from the blaze.

An apartment building stands next to the vacant shops where the fire broke out. (Google Maps)

Police said in a statement that the building, which was being renovated, had been "significantly damaged."

An arson chemist will examine the scene for possible hints as to how the fire started.

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via their website.