Firework believed to be used in Marrickville restaurant arson attack

Police are hunting a man who they believe likely used a firework in a series of arson attacks, including one on a restaurant.

Shocking CCTV footage released by arson squad detectives shows the moment a man uses what appears to be a firework to set an inner Sydney restaurant alight.

NSW Police are appealing for information about the attack, which they believe is related to a previous arson incident at an Ettalong Beach tobacconist on the Central Coast in August last year.

The Marrickville attack occurred just before 1am on May 30, with emergency services responding to reports of a fire in the courtyard of a restaurant on Tuohy Lane.

Police investigations revealed that a firework was likely used to light the fire.

The restaurant was reportedly targeted the night before as well.

The explosive is tossed into the restaurant. Picture: NewsWire Handout

Police believe the two attacks are connected, despite them taking place about 100km apart, with the man depicted in CCTV and photographs released by police being linked to both incidents.

Detective Superintendent Gordon Arbinja said on Thursday that police “believe that the tobacconist was targeted to eliminate competition”.

Superintendent Arbinja said police did not yet know why the Marrickville restaurant was attacked.

“The only link that we have is that we believe that these people were recruited by organised criminal networks and they freelance for organised criminal network to do these acts,” he said.

The restaurant is believed to be a popular Vietnamese eatery, the owners of which police say are cooperating with their investigation.

“I empathise with the victim because I don’t know what this gentleman’s business and how it’s linked to the other organisation. I simply don’t,” Superintendent Arbinja said.

Police suspect the tobacconist attacked in Ettalong Beach was selling illicit tobacco.

NSW Police believe this man can help with their inquiries. Picture: NewsWire Handout

Police are looking for a man who was seen driving a grey Toyota HiLux. Picture: NewsWire Handout

Footage from the Marrickville attack shows a man arrive by car before he pours some form of accelerant in the restaurant and retreats to the car.

He then tosses an explosive that shot a multi-coloured blast onto the street and then drives away.

Police are now seeking information to locate a man they believe could have information about both arson attacks.

Superintendent Arbinja urged community members to view the footage and encouraged anyone with knowledge of the incidents to come forward to police.

He is described by police as being of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance, about 185cm tall, and of medium build.

The man has black, curly, shoulder-length hair, wears glasses and was seen driving a grey Toyota HiLux at a service station near the Ettalong Beach attack.

Originally published as Firework believed to be used in Marrickville restaurant arson attack