COBDEN, VIC. — Warrnambool detectives have identified a person of interest as part of their investigation into a house fire that threatened the safety of a man and his two children on Mitchell Street, Cobden, on Thursday, February 5, at about 6.17am.
Investigators are now making a fresh appeal for information after they released an image of a silver Mazda 3 last month, which was seen travelling at speed towards Camperdown just minutes after the fire.
The deliberate fire engulfed the front façade of the home after a man, who has been captured on CCTV, splashed an accelerant on the fire to intensify the flames.
Just by chance, the father of the two children, aged five and 16, was still at home before leaving for work and heard the loud ‘whoosh’ as flames forced their way into the interior of the home.
“The consequences could have been devastating, particularly given the children could have been asleep when the fire was lit,” Det. Sgt Raven said.
The victim attempted to fight the fire and immediately called emergency services before fire authorities attended and extinguished the blaze.
“This was a deliberate and incredibly reckless act. 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,” Detective Sergeant Andrew Raven said.
The trio were extremely lucky to escape injury.
The man is described as wearing a distinctive blue jacket, black pants and runners. The jacket’s hood was pulled up, and it appears the man is wearing something on his face.
Detectives believe the attack was targeted and continue to investigate the motive behind the incident, which at this stage remains unclear.
Investigators believe there are people in the local community with information and are hoping the release of the vision and the appeal helps progress the investigation.
“Even something you think is insignificant could be the piece of information detectives need to resolve this investigation,” Det. Sgt Raven said.
Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
