Wild moment alleged arsonist sets himself alight during bungled attack inside a Middle Eastern restaurant
The moment an alleged arsonist sets himself alight during a botched attack on a Middle Eastern restaurant has been captured on CCTV.
Footage from inside Al Marjan in Campbellfield, in Melbourne 's north, shows the man pouring liquid on benchtops and furniture before setting the restaurant - and himself - on fire just before 4.30am on May 21, 2024.
The man, wearing a black hooded jumper, inadvertently doused himself in petrol as he used a jerry can to pour the accelerant all over the restaurant.
In the CCTV, the alleged arsonist is seen dropping to the ground in an attempt to extinguish himself before stumbling several times as he raced out the door.
The man had arrived in a silver Mercedes Benz E240 which he rammed through the door of the restaurant to gain access.
Detectives believe the incident is linked to the state's illegal tobacco trade and have established a special taskforce to catch those responsible.
'This is yet another example of just how unpredictable fire is and the inherent dangers of arson,' Taskforce Lunar Detective Inspector Graham Banks said.
'It is probable this man will have needed some kind of treatment for significant burns.'
Det Insp Banks said he hoped the release of the CCTV footage would incentivise anyone who recognised the man to come forward with new information.
Emergency services were called to the Al Marjan restaurant, on the Hume Highway, shortly after the man had fled.
Fire Rescue Victoria said the business sustained minor damage from the incident.
Detectives said the Mercedes used to ram through the restaurant's door has since been recovered with cloned numberplates.
Al Marjan was attacked again several months later on November 6.
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