Twist in deadly South Yarra cold case

Investigators are chasing what they believe to be “the missing piece of the puzzle” in a fire that claimed the life of a student at a South Yarra restaurant 20 years ago.

The fire engulfed Efficient Chips on Toorak Rd on December 17, 1991.

Cold case arson investigators suspect a woman was involved in a ­deadly fire at a swank South Yarra restaurant.

They have revealed a woman was heard screaming at the scene as fire engulfed Efficient Chips on Toorak Rd on December 17, 1991.

The body of young Malaysian student Clement David was later found in the kitchen area of the business.

Mr David, who lived in Hawthorn, set the building alight in the early hours after spending hours drinking with others inside.

Malaysian student Clement David died in the blaze.

After leaving he returned and splashed fuel around but vapours reached a pilot light, causing a ferocious fire.

Mr David, who knew the operators of Efficient Chips, died of smoke ­inhalation.

A red Nissan Skyline later found near the scene had been rented by him, probably to carry out his attack.

Investigators have released an image of the Nissan in the hope of working out who else was in it that night, particularly a woman.

Police released this image of the Nissan Skyline they believe could be central to the investigation.

They say a female was heard screaming and witnesses noted the sound of someone running from the scene along MacFarlane St.

Detective Inspector Steve Soden, of the arson and explosives squad, said a review of the case had yielded new lines of inquiry.

“We believe the woman heard at the scene screaming, the running footsteps heard and the vehicle could be the missing pieces of the puzzle,” Inspector Soden said.

Malaysian student Clement David died in the blaze.

“Investigators are very keen to hear from anyone who knows who this woman was and what her ­involvement was on the night.”

Former nightclub king Brian Goldsmith – who police believe had no connection to the fire – was called in to try to revive the restaurant in the period before the blaze.

Anti-Goldsmith graffiti, including a swastika, was later painted on the building.

But Mr Goldsmith’s involvement in Efficient Chips was not broadly known, making police ponder ­whether the graffiti was a diversion from the real reason for the attack.