Jewish federal Labor MP Josh Burns says he fears someone will get hurt “or worse” after pro-Palestinian activists vandalised and poured kerosene to light a fire outside his Melbourne office, in what he labelled a “dangerous escalation” of campaigns targeting electorate offices.

As Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called for the perpetrators to “face the full force of the law”, Victoria Police launched a manhunt after being told at least five people were seen near Mr Burns’ St Kilda office at 3.20am on Wednesday.