Manhunt is launched after firebug sets a Melbourne petrol station ablaze with a cigarette lighter before fleeing the scene
- Firebug set petrol pump alight with cigarette lighter after lifting it from bowser
- Then fled petrol station in Croydon North, north-east Melbourne on February 7
- Police released CCTV of a man who they believe can help with their enquiries
- Footage showed blonde-haired man in blue jacket crossing station forecourt
A manhunt has been launched after a firebug set a petrol bowser alight in the middle of the night before fleeing the scene.
Police said set fire to a pump after walking into a petrol station forecourt on the Maroondah Highway in the far north-eastern Melbourne suburb of Croydon North just after 4am on February 7.
Detectives were told he lifted the fuel pump from the bowser before igniting the residual fuel in the handle with a cigarette lighter.
He then dropped the pump and fled on foot heading east on Maroondah Highway.
Victoria Police on Wednesday released CCTV of a man who they believe may be able to assist them with their enquiries.
The footage showed the blonde-haired man crossing the empty forecourt at 4.05am that morning.
He is described as being about 183cm tall with blonde hair with a medium build and aged in his late 40s to early 50s.
He was also wearing a blue jacket, black pants and black shoes.
Maroondah CIU Detective Senior Constable Justin Hunter said it was lucky no-one suffered any serious injuries.
Police have released CCTV of a man they want to speak to after a petrol bowser was set alight in Melbourne on February 7
‘This behaviour could have caused catastrophic injuries to not only to the male involved, but to property and people who were nearby at the time,’ he said.
‘We are keen to speak to anyone who may be able to assist with identifying this man as part of our ongoing investigation.’
Anyone who recognises the man is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.