Bumbling arsonist set himself on fire after attacking Al Marjan restaurant in Campbellfield

A careless arsonists has been forced to roll on the ground after setting a Middle Eastern restaurant on fire in Campbellfield, as police appeal for information about the attack.

Police have released footage of a careless arsonist who set fire to himself as he carried out an attack on a restaurant in Melbourne’s north.

In crystal clear CCTV footage released by police on Wednesday, a stocky man dressed in black with his hood pulled up can be seen getting out of a silver Mercedes Benz E240 after it has rammed through the door of the Al Marjan restaurant in Campbellfield.

The man climbs through the busted door and pours an accelerant from a red jerry can through the restaurant and across its bar, paying little attention to the liquid splashing back on him.

The man, who carried out the attack in May last year, loses his footing several times as he walks through the liquid that is all over the floor.

As he flees back to the waiting car, he can be seen with the leg of his pants on fire, forcing him to drop and roll around on the wet ground to extinguish the flames.

He then gets into the car to make his escape.

Police are looking for this man over the attack on the Al Marjan restaurant in Campbellfield. Picture: Victoria Police

The attack occurred on May 21 last year. Picture: Victoria Police

Emergency services were then called to reports of the fire at the Hume Highway business shortly after 4.30am on May 21.

Fire Rescue Victoria were quickly on the scene meaning the restaurant only sustained minor damage from the arson attempt.

It was the first of two fiery attacks on the Al Marjan restaurant — the eatery was also torched on November 6 at the height of the war for control of the illicit tobacco market.

Detectives investigating the state’s simmering tobacco war have also been tasked with probing this Campbellfield blaze.

Taskforce Lunar Detective Inspector Graham Banks said he was hoping the footage would help someone come forward who recognises the man, or jog someone’s memory of someone who had burns around that time.

“This is yet another example of just how unpredictable fire is and the inherent dangers of arson,” he said.

“It is probable this man will have needed some kind of treatment for significant burns.”

The bumbling arsonist set himself on fire during the attack. Picture: Victoria Police

Al Marjan was attacked in May and November last year. Picture: Mark Stewart

Det Insp Banks also wanted to relay to those setting the fires that the “life-changing” injuries that can be suffered weren’t worth committing the crimes for others.

“We are conscious that those involved in lighting the fires are likely the puppets for those pulling the strings in this syndicate, and they are being left with serious – or life changing, as we’ve seen previously – burn injuries,” he said.

“Arson attacks put not only people’s livelihoods at stake but also people’s lives.

“We are doing everything we can to bring this dispute and the criminality linked to it to an end, but we need the community’s support and assistance.”

The Mercedes was bearing cloned plates at the time and has since been recovered.

Anyone who recognises the man or with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Originally published as Bumbling arsonist set himself on fire after attacking Al Marjan restaurant in Campbellfield