Dandenong home raided in hunt for arsonists who killed innocent tobacco war victim Katie Tangey

Police have raided a home in Dandenong and seized several mobile phones as they hunt for the arsonists who killed an innocent woman in a botched tobacco war firebombing in Truganina.

Mobile phone data could lead to a major breakthrough in a botched tobacco wars arson attack that killed an innocent woman.

Katie Tangey, 27, died while she was house-sitting at her brother’s Dover St home in Truganina when two arsonists allegedly set the townhouse alight on January 16.

The killers, believed to be aged between 25 and 30 years old, then fled, leaving Ms Tangey trapped inside to die.

Arson and Explosives Squad detectives on Thursday morning raided a Dandenong home, where they seized several mobile phones.

Those devices will be combed for data that could lead to the identity of the offenders behind the deadly arson.

Katie Tangey (right) was the innocent victim of a mistaken tobacco wars firebombing. Picture: Facebook

The blaze tore through the Dover St property. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Ms Tangey managed to call firefighters to the home when it went up in flames about 2.14am before she died.

Golden retriever, Sunny, also perished in the fire.

Ms Tangey had been house-sitting for her brother, who was away on his honeymoon.

His townhouse was completely destroyed in the blaze.

CCTV showed a dark coloured BMW X3 or X5 driving north on Forsyth Rd in Truganina at 2.12am.

Another camera at a nearby home showed the moment the house went up in flames before the men, one carrying a jerry can, fled the area.

Ms Tangey, who performed burlesque under the stage name Vivien May-Royale, has been remembered by loved ones as a “beautiful soul”.

Ms Tangey was remembered as a “beautiful soul”. Picture: Supplied

In April, police said 18 detectives had been assigned to investigate Ms Tangey’s death in the fire, which was likely linked to Victoria’s ongoing tobacco wars.

Arson and Explosives Squad Detective Inspector Chris Murray said police were determined to find the arsonists and bring closure to Ms Tangey’s family.

“I know Katie’s family would want nothing more than to see her live out the whole life she had ahead of her, but the least we can do is make sure those responsible for this tragedy are held accountable for their actions,” Detective Inspector Murray said.

“We know this is solvable, and we know we are getting closer.

“If you know absolutely anything, I cannot implore you enough to find it in yourself to do the right thing and come forward.”

No arrests were made on Thursday and the investigation into Ms Tangey’s death continues.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Originally published as Dandenong home raided in hunt for arsonists who killed innocent tobacco war victim Katie Tangey