Video: Police are investigating suspicious fire in Elite Motor Garage in Oakleigh

Police have released the CCTV footage of the arsonist who poured petrol over an Oakleigh car dealership before setting it on fire causing $1m in damage.

Police have released CCTV footage of the arsonist who poured petrol over an Oakleigh car dealership before setting it on fire earlier this week, causing $1m in damage.

It is understood a man arrived at Elite Motor Garage on Park Rd in a grey 2013 Audi A4 Wagon at 2.55am on Monday.

Police say the man smashed windows to force entry into the premises at about 3.45am before setting the luxury car dealership on fire.

“Multiple vehicles were damaged in the fire, and there was no one in the building at the time of the incident,” police said.

The Herald Sun understands petrol was poured on and around the vehicles damaged.

The police said the man fled the scene in the grey Audi A4 Wagon.

Investigators have released CCTV footage of a man they believe can assist with their enquiries.

A man is seen wearing a mask and a green and black shirt with a hood on and carrying a petrol can towards the car showroom.

A still from CCTV footage of the man police want to speak to over an arson attack on a car dealership in Oakleigh

Elite Motor Garage owner and managing director Arj Lopez spoke out after the arson attack

“It‘s really unfortunate. They burned three to four cars and then damaged a few other cars around,” he said.

“It’s literally just vandalism. There have been many such acts lately in the Oakleigh area.”

The luxury car dealership operated on Tuesday, just a day after the dramatic blaze.

“We‘re still operating and doing business. Obviously, we’re doing it from outside,” he said.

Mr Lopez said he was fortunate the fire was tamed quickly and damage was contained to a few cars.

“I pray to God a lot, and I think it could have been a lot worse. It’s definitely a loss, but in businesses, there are losses and wins, and we did quite well this month at the end of the financial year, so we might break even on it,” he said.

A Fire Rescue Victoria spokesman said firefighters arrived within six minutes of being alerted with eleven appliances called to the scene

“The fire was declared under control within an hour and 20 minutes,” he said.

A crime scene has been set up while emergency services work to establish the circumstances surrounding the fire.

“At this stage, the fire is being treated as suspicious, and investigations remain ongoing,” the police spokeswoman said.

A Victoria Ambulance spokeswoman said paramedics attended the fire for “health monitoring”.

“No emergency treatment or transport was required,” she said.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online.