New CCTV captures fatal Truganina house fire linked to illicit tobacco trade

Police have released new footage of the arson attack they say killed an innocent woman while she was house-sitting for her brother.

New footage has been released of a fatal arson attack that killed beloved burlesque performer Katie Tangey that police now suspect was linked to Victoria’s tobacco wars.

The ring camera footage released by Victoria Police captures the moment the Truganina house was engulfed in flames in the early hours of January 16.

A ring camera at the Dover Street home captured the moment the house was engulfed as a person carrying a jerry can flees the scene. Picture: Supplied/Victoria Police

The house fire killed a 27-year-old woman who police believe was completely innocent. Picture: Supplied/Victoria Police

A person wearing a hooded jumper and carrying what appears to be a jerry can is seen fleeing the scene.

Ms Tangey, 27, was housesitting the property in Melbourne’s west for her brother while he was on his honeymoon.

She and the family’s golden retriever died at the scene of the blaze, which also completely destroyed the three-storey townhouse.

Victoria Police allege it was a targeted attack but on the wrong home.

Katie Tangey was killed in a house fire at Truganina while house-sitting. Picture: Facebook

“Police still have not been able to establish any reason why (Ms Tangey) or her family would be targeted in this way and believe they are completely innocent in this,” a statement read.

Earlier CCTV footage captured two people getting out of a dark vehicle – similar to a BMW X3 – parked outside the address shortly after 2am on January 16, according to police.

A significant explosion then occurred and the pair left the area, as Ms Tangey, who was inside the property, called triple-0 about 2.30am to report the Dover Street home was on fire.

Following a significant weeks-long investigation, police now believe the arson attack is likely linked to the state’s illegal tobacco trade, with investigators to work closely with dedicated Taskforce Lunar.

Katie Tangey, 27, died inside her brother’s home in the western Melbourne suburb of Truganina on January 16. Picture: Supplied

Arson and explosives squad Detective Inspector Chris Murray said Ms Tangey’s death was a “tragedy”, which could be described as nothing less than a “flagrant disregard” for human life.

“Katie Tangey, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a beloved member of her community, has needlessly lost her life in this senseless and despicable incident, which we are investigating as a deliberate act,” he said.

“To those responsible: we are committing every resource we have to finding you and holding you accountable for this homicide.

Detective Inspector Chris Murray said police are committing every resource to find those responsible and hold them to account. Picture: NewsWire / Nadir Kinani

“The violence that we have seen from these organised crime syndicates and this relentless drive for profits above all else has resulted in this incident.

“However, we know this is solvable.

“We know this, because there are people out there who have information about who is responsible at all levels of this offence.

“We also know this is the type of crime even the most hardened criminal would be disgusted with – we implore them to come forward and tells us what they know via Crime Stoppers. As always, it can be done anonymously.”

Anyone with information or who recognises the individuals or the vehicle involved is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online.