Horror scenes have played out in two separate attacks in Melbourne, which saw a synagogue allegedly torched and a Jewish restaurant stormed by 20 masked protesters in the city’s CBD.

The Israeli restaurant Minzon, in Hardware Lane, was targeted by masked pro-Palestinian protesters, who raged through the venue Friday night, about 8.30pm.

The mob reportedly chanted “death to the IDF (Israeli Defence Force)“ as they picked-up chairs and food, launching it at the restaurant windows during the attack.

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A window was smashed in the chaos.

Victorian police quickly responded to the attack, arresting a number of the protesters.

In a separate incident on Friday, a man has been charged over a fire at an East Melbourne synagogue, which occurred at 8pm.

The man allegedly entered the grounds after walking through Parliament Gardens and is believed to have poured a flammable liquid on the front door of the building and set it on fire.

There were around 20 people inside the synagogue taking part in Shabbat when the fire was lit.

Everyone evacuated out the back and no-one was injured.

On Saturday night, a 34-year-old NSW man was arrested in Melbourne’s CBD and charged with reckless conduct endanger life, reckless conduct endanger serious injury, criminal damage by fire, and possess a controlled weapon.

Detectives will continue to examine the intent and ideology of the man to determine if the incident is terrorism.

Police are also yet to establish any link between the restaurant incident and the fire.

“There is no place for hatred or discrimination of any kind and police are engaging with people from the synagogue and other representatives from the Jewish community to ensure appropriate supports are in place,” police said.

“Detectives from the Counter Terrorism Security Investigation Unit have primacy of the investigation.

“Whilst the matter has not been deemed a terrorism incident, during the investigation police will examine the intent and ideology of the person or persons involved to determine if the incident is in fact terrorism.”

Anyone who witnessed the arson attempt on the synagogue and has CCTV, dashcam footage or any other information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.