Tara Murray
Police are renewing their appeal for public assistance to identify an arsonist almost a year after a deliberately lit fire threatened homes in Taylors Lakes to ensure residents don’t have to go through it again.
The fire, which was lit in a paddock at the rear of Rowell Place about 3.35pm on January 11 last year, resulted in about 40 people being evacuated from their properties due to safety concerns.
No one was injured in the incident however fences, sheds and a large area of land was damaged by the fire.
Brimbank Crime Investigation Unit detectives have not given up on identifying those responsible for this serious incident.
Investigators have re-released images and CCTV of a man on a bicycle they believe can assist with their inquiries.
The bicycle the man is pictured riding is believed to be either a blue or purple “Huffy” bike.
Detectives have also released aerial images of the fire and the damage it caused.
Brimbank Crime Investigation Unit Senior Constable Dion Martin said they were hoping that by re-releasing the images and video it might jog someone’s memory.
“We are releasing CCTV footage on the anniversary of the fire in Taylors Lakes hoping someone can identify the male in the CCTV footage as we believe that he can assist us with our inquires and we’re urging anyone with information in relation to his identify of the fire to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers.
“As we’re coming into another fire season we want to solve the incident and really keen on identifying the person.”
Senior Constable Martin said despite releasing the images 12 months ago, they were yet to get any leads on the identity of the male and were unsure whether he was a local or not.
He said the residents were concerned what might happen if another fire was to occur.
“With fire season upon us again, we’re concerned that if it was to occur again the result maybe worse, someone might be injured or killed,” he said.
“The residents and victims are concerned. This was a serious incident and placed their lives and properties at risk and they’re still ongoing process of repairing and recovering from that incident.”
Anyone who recognises this person or has any information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
