Arson police investigate house fire that killed ‘completely innocent’ Melbourne woman

Police believe a woman who died in a horror house fire suspected to be deliberately lit was a “completely innocent” victim.

Police are investigating whether a fatal targeted attack involving an explosion at a suburban Melbourne house is a case of mistaken identity.

A 27-year-old woman was killed in the incident in Melbourne’s west about 2.30am on Thursday.

Speaking from the scene, arson and explosives squad Detective Inspector Chris Murray said the victim was “completely innocent” and the police had no history on her or her family.

Initial investigations suggest the woman called triple-0 from inside the house before it was destroyed by the blaze.

Detective Inspector Chris Murray says the victim is completely innocent. Picture: NewsWire / Nadir Kinani

The home is on Dover St, in the suburb of Truganina in Melbourne’s west.

The three-storey townhouse was owned by the brother of the Hoppers Crossing woman who died.

“This individual is completely innocent and should not have died,” Inspector Murray said.

“We have no history on this individual, nor the family. In my early stages, my early call is these offenders had targeted the wrong address which is nothing short of a tragedy.”

The woman was house sitting for her brother who was on his honeymoon, Inspector Murray said.

The occupant is believed to have called triple-0 from inside the home. Picture: NewsWire / Nadir Kinani

“She was just house sitting, the type of girl who doesn’t leave home very much.

“Probably her first time really away and by herself. House sitting for her brother who is on a honeymoon, and she’s been subjected to the most appalling, despicable act one could imagine.”

Police expect to release footage of two people they wish to speak to as part of their investigation later on Thursday.

CCTV captured two people leaving a dark-coloured vehicle near the house.

Police suspect those responsible jumped a fence and tipped some sort of accelerant into the house before setting the fire.

Inspector Murray said the offenders faced the possibility of murder charges.

The three-storey townhouse has been destroyed. Picture: NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

“What I would say to the offenders, whether they meant this or not, we are investigating a homicide now,” he said.

“I keep saying this about the crime of arson – whether they meant to damage this premises or just cause a scare tactic, now they’re staring at a charge of homicide, of murder.

“One innocent young lady has lost her life which is nothing short of a tragedy.”

A crime scene has been set up and an arson chemist has been to the property on Thursday morning.

“While the exact circumstances of the fire are still being established, it’s believed that shortly after 2am two people got out of a dark-coloured vehicle parked outside the address,” a police spokesperson said in a written statement.

Firefighters needed an hour to get the fire under control. Picture: NewsWire / Nadir Kinani

“A significant explosion then occurs and the pair leave the area, with the woman inside the property subsequently calling triple-0 to say the home is alight.

“Detectives are treating the fire as a targeted attack; however, police have not been able to establish any reason why the woman or her family would be targeted in this way.

“Investigators are looking to see who may live in the area of the fire and the potential for this to have been a case of mistaken identity,” the spokesperson said.

Police are now making a “significant” search for CCTV and calling for anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward.

Firefighters needed about an hour to get the fire under control.

The intense heat initially restricted where in the house firefighters could access.

Originally published as Arson police investigate house fire that killed ‘completely innocent’ Melbourne woman