Detectives from Taskforce Lunar are today releasing CCTV and appealing for information following an arson attack at a restaurant in Campbellfield in 2024.
Emergency services were called to reports of a fire at the Hume Highway business shortly after 4.30am on Tuesday, 21 May 2024.
A silver Mercedes Benz E240 sedan was used to ram the door of the business, before a man in the passenger seat forced his way into the premises carrying a red jerry can.
The man, dressed in black pants and a black hoodie, emptied the contents of the jerry can around the bar area before setting it alight.
As he flees the scene, his clothing also catches alight.
The man attempts to get back into the waiting vehicle but is forced to extinguish his clothes by rolling on the wet ground to put out the flames.
A fast response from Fire Rescue Victoria meant the business only sustained minor damage during the incident.
The business was targeted again on Wednesday, 6 November 2024.
Investigators are today releasing CCTV and images of the man involved in the May incident and who they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries.
He is described as approximately 170-175cms tall with a large build and an olive complexion.
Detectives are hopeful that today's release of CCTV will provide further avenues of enquiry and that someone may recognise the man in the footage and be able to provide information on his current whereabouts.
The Mercedes was bearing cloned plates at time and has since been recovered.
Anyone who recognises the man or with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Graham Banks, Taskforce Lunar:
"This is yet another example of just how unpredictable fire is and the inherent dangers of arson - it is probable this man will have needed some kind of treatment for significant burns.
"We are conscious that those involved in lighting the fires are likely the puppets for those pulling the strings in this syndicate, and they are being left with serious - or life changing, as we've seen previously - burn injuries.
"Arson attacks put not only people's livelihoods at stake but also people's lives. We are doing everything we can to bring this dispute and the criminality linked to it to an end, but we need the community's support and assistance."
