Police want to speak with Ishmail Sozmen after fatal fire in Dandenong

Homicide squad detectives have identified a person they believe can help with their inquiries after a ferocious fire claimed the life of a young man.

Police believe a man can help with their inquiries after a ferocious apartment fire claimed the life of a young Melbourne man.

After more than three months of investigations, homicide squad detectives have confirmed they would like to speak to Ishmail Sozmen following a fatal fire in Dandenong on July 9.

A 27-year-old Dandenong man perished in the blaze that tore through his McCrae St unit about 8.15am.

Homicide squad detectives would like to speak to Ishmail Sozmen following a fatal fire in Dandenong on July 9. Picture: Victoria Police

Police said Mr Sozmen is known to visit the Dandenong and Meadow Heights areas.

He is described as being about 175cm tall with a medium build and brown hair.

A body is removed from the scene of a fatal fire in Dandenong. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Daniel Pockett

SES personnel prepare tarps as detectives and forensics probe the scene of a fatal fire in Dandenong. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Daniel Pockett

An image of Mr Sozmen has been released in the hope someone can provide information on his whereabouts.

Police have warned the public not to approach Mr Sozmen and to call triple-0 immediately if they see him.

A body was found inside after a fire at Dandenong apartment block.

Police inspect rubbish bins outside the scene of a fire in Dandenong. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Daniel Pockett

A police spokeswoman said detectives charged a 27-year-old Meadow Heights man with murder last week in relation to the fire.

That man was also charged with intentionally cause injury in relation to a separate victim.

The blaze that claimed the young man’s life caused that much damage that it took emergency services some time after the fire was extinguished to access the building safely to search for him.

Anyone with information about Mr Sozmen’s whereabouts has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Originally published as Police want to speak with Ishmail Sozmen after fatal fire in Dandenong