Police appeal for assistance for Westmeadows house fire

A firebug allegedly set a can of petrol alight at the front door of a Melbourne home, before setting fire to a car in an incident that caused “significant damage”.

Police are searching for the public’s help to find a firebug who allegedly caused two blazes in Weastmeadows. Picture: Keith Cooper

A firebug allegedly lit a can of petrol on fire at the front door of a Melbourne home, before also setting a car ablaze in an incident that caused “significant damage”.

Detectives are appealing for public assistance to search for the person who allegedly lit two fires outside a Grange Pl, Westmeadows house in the early hours of May 13.

Hume Crime Investigation Unit Senior Constable Jody Clayton said an offender was believed to have poured accelerant on a vehicle parked in the driveway about 5.40am.

“It’s believed that an offender attended the address in a white utility, believed to be a Ford Ranger,” he said.

“It’s alleged the offender, after pouring accelerant on the vehicle, then placed a container of accelerant at the front door of the premises before igniting it, causing it to explode and the house catching fire.”

The alleged firebug then ran away from the property and ignited the accelerant on the vehicle in the driveway, causing the car to catch fire.

“The premises and vehicle were both significantly damaged during the blaze,” Sen Constable Clayton said.

Anyone who may have seen a person or persons acting suspiciously or who may have seen a white utility in the area around the time of the fire, with information or CCTV/Dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or by clicking here.