A 52-year old St Albans man has died in hospital as a result of injuries sustained during an arson attack at a Prahran business earlier this year.
Detective Inspector of the Arson and Explosives Squad, Chris Murray, said while the death is “an incredibly sad event for the man’s family” the situation could have been avoided.
“Over the past two years in particular we have issued repeated warnings about the dangers of fire and the potential for someone to be killed as a direct result of these arson attacks,” said Detective Inspector Murray.
Emergency services were called to a fire at a Chapel street store shortly after 4.15am on Wednesday, January 15.
Witnesses told police a number of people had poured accelerant inside the premises before setting it alight.
The group then fled the address in a waiting vehicle, with one of the group visibly on fire.
Nobody else was inside the premises at the time.
The store sustained extensive damage during the incident and caused damage to surrounding businesses.
Emergency services were subsequently called to an address in Fitzroy shortly before 5am after reports of a man suffering significant burns to his body were made.
The St Albans man was then taken to hospital where he received medical treatment for the next five months, eventually dying on Friday, June 6.
The fire continues to be investigated by detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad.
The motive for the fire remains unclear however police are continuing to treat it as a targeted attack.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
