Raptor Squad detectives have released CCTV as part of an appeal for information after a business in Blacktown was damaged by fire in Sydney's west earlier this year.
About 1.10am on Tuesday 22 June 2021, emergency services responded to reports of a fire on Sunnyholt Road, Blacktown, which was spreading from the rear of a tattoo parlour that adjoins Humphries Lane.
NSW Fire and Rescue crews attended and extinguished the flames, before a crime scene was established and examined by specialist forensic officers, while officers from Blacktown Police Area Command commenced inquiries.
After inquiries revealed the fire was deliberately lit, detectives from the State Crime Command's Raptor Squad took carriage of the investigation under Strike Force Hollier.
As their inquiries continue, strike force detectives are appealing to the public for information and have released CCTV of two men, who they believe may be able to assist with ongoing inquiries.
The men – both depicted wearing face coverings and hooded jumpers, one of whom has a distinctive 'CK' on the back – were seen in the vicinity of Humphries Lane between 1am and 1.20am and last seen heading toward Prince Street a short time after the fire took hold.
Raptor Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Jason Weinstein, urged anyone in the community who may recognise the two men to contact police.
"At this stage, police believe this is a case of mistaken identity, and as such, we now have a local business that has suffered for no reason except the criminality and stupidity of others," Det Supt Weinstein said.
"These sorts of dangerous and destructive actions employed by criminal groups will not be tolerated; not by police, nor other members of the community, and I encourage those with information to come forward."
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Hollier investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
