How Mooroolbark favourite The Moo Wine Cafe was torched by bungling crooks

Incredible footage has captured the moment two arsonists set a Mooroolbark wine bar alight, with one of the men setting himself on fire before fleeing as the popular venue explodes. WATCH THE VIDEO

The owner of a popular Mooroolbark wine spot has offered a “good” cash reward to find the “amateur” crooks who burnt down his cafe.

Two bumbling, masked men in hooded jumpers broke into The Moo Wine cafe on Brice Ave about 2.20am on July 1 and used petrol to set the place on fire.

Footage from one of the 16 CCTV cameras in the cafe, shows one of the crooks hurling a flare into the building, setting his left arm on fire in the process before quickly patting out the flames.

One of the arsonists sets his arm on fire while lighting up the Mooroolbark wine bar. Picture: Supplied

Yarra Ranges detective Senior Constable Michael Potter and owner Martin Shaw at the burnt down cafe.

Yarra Ranges police detective Senior Constable Michael Potter said police were appealing for information on the “well planned but poorly executed” crime, labelling the bungling duo

“amateurish”.

He said after a failed attempt at breaking into the cafe through the back entrance, the crooks managed to push the front door open before hastily spreading around petrol and setting it alight.

He said police believe the offenders stole a white Toyota Celica from The Centreway in Ringwood about half an hour before the arson attack.

The car was found on fire at 3am, rolling down Kenross Court in Wantirna South, and almost hit a house.

Fire engulfs the Mooroolbark cafe. Picture: Supplied

The white Toyota Celica on fire in Kenross Court, Wantirna South.

Detectives are investigating an arson attack at The Moo Wine Cafe in Mooroolbark.

Cafe owner Martin Shaw said the cafe had not been broken into during the 16 years he had owned it.

“It’s a family-owned business, in a family community,” Mr Shaw said.

“I don’t think there isn’t anyone who hasn’t had a drink at The Moo.”

Mr Shaw said he was alerted to the break-in by the alarm connected to his phone, and watched in horror as the crooks ignited his cafe.

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An immediate call to 000 meant Mooroolbark CFA crews were there within 15 minutes and were able to prevent the spread of the fire into the roof and shops next door.

“We know there are people out there who know who these people are,” Mr Shaw said.

“If you want a good cash reward come to my Facebook page and we can negotiate.”