‘Inherent dangers of arson': Victoria Police release video of arsonist's mishap in Campbellfield in appeal for information
The incident occurred at Al Marjan restaurant in Campbellfield, about 17 kilometres north of Melbourne, which occurred about 4.30am on May 21 last year.
'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,' Victoria Police said in a statement.
The footage showed a man dressed in black pants and a black hoodie repeatedly stumbling as he pours the contents of the jerry can over the bar of the restaurant.
The offender proceeds to light the accelerant, only for his clothes to also become engulfed in flames.
After falling on the restaurant floor, the man ran outside and jumped back in the Mercedes.
Realising he is still on fire, the arsonist attempted to extinguish the flames by 'rolling on the wet ground'.
Victoria Police said investigators had released the images and CCTV footage of the incident in the hope someone may recognise the man and can provide information on his whereabouts.
The man is described as approximately 170-175 centimetres tall with a large build and an olive complexion.
'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,' Detective Inspector Graham Banks from Victoria Police's Taskforce Lunar said.
Det Insp Banks said the incident was also 'yet another example of just how unpredictable fire is and the inherent dangers of arson'.
'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,' he said.
'It is probable this man will have needed some kind of treatment for significant burns.'
The fast response from Fire Rescue Victoria ensured Al Marjan restaurant only sustained minor damage during the incident.
However the business was targeted in a second arson attack on November 6.
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.
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