Police have issued a fresh appeal for information after releasing chilling CCTV footage of a man suspected of “deliberately” lighting a fire at a Victorian home, while a father and his two children were inside.
Investigators are hunting the alleged suspect over the blaze, which broke out at a home on Mitchell St at Cobden about 6.15am on February 5.
Police released CCTV footage, which they claim shows a man at the front of the property using a suspected accelerant to ignite the blaze before flames engulfed the front of the house.
The father was at home preparing for work with his two children, aged 5 and 16, when he said he heard a loud “whoosh” as flames forced their way inside.
He tried to fight the fire and called emergency services, who extinguished the blaze.
All three escaped without injury.
Police previously released images of a silver Mazda 3, featuring a sunshade on the rear left window and bumper damage, seen travelling towards Camperdown at speed five minutes after the fire.
Warrnambool Crime Investigation Unit detectives believe the attack was targeted, but the motive remains unclear.
Police allege the suspect was wearing a blue hooded jacket, with the hood pulled up black pants and runners, with his face covered.
Detective Sergeant Andrew Raven said the attack could have ended in tragedy.
“This was a deliberate and incredibly reckless act,” Sergeant Raven said.
“A father and his two children were inside the home at the time, and we are extremely fortunate that all three were able to escape without injury.
“The consequences could have been devastating, particularly given the children could have been asleep when the fire was lit.”
Sergeant Raven said officers had pursued several leads over the past seven months and needed the public’s help to find the person responsible.
“Today we are releasing footage of a suspect and we’re asking people to please come forward if they have any information about the fire or the man seen in the video,” he said.
No arrests have been made.
Anyone with information or dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.