Police have released a digital composite image of a man they would like to speak to in relation to a Truganina house fire that killed Katie Tangey in January.
They have described the man as Middle Eastern in appearance, aged between 25-30 years old and with a slim build.
The release on Thursday, April 3, coincided with an information caravan operating in the area on Dover Street where the incident occurred in the hope someone has information about those involved.
Investigators deliberately held the information caravan on a Thursday – the same week day as the fire – in the hope it will be able to capture the same people who would have been going about their daily lives.
Police said there have been a number of anonymous reports to Crime Stoppers providing information, including one call where a pseudonym or nickname was used. Investigators would like this particular caller to make further contact and provide additional information.
Information received suggests it was a targeted attack but at the wrong address and that Ms Tangey was completely innocent and had nothing to do with the illicit tobacco trade.
Shortly after 2am on Thursday, January 16, CCTV captures two people get out of a dark coloured vehicle – similar to a BMW X3 or X5 – parked outside the address.
A significant explosion then occurred and the pair left the area, with the 27-year-old Hoppers Crossing woman inside the property subsequently calling triple-0 to say the house was on fire..
Emergency services were initially called to reports of a fire at a residential property on Dover Street about 2.30am.
Ms Tangey, who was housesitting the property that belonged to one of her relatives, and the family’s golden retriever, died at the scene and the three-storey townhouse was completely destroyed.
A dark coloured vehicle – similar to a BMW X3 or X5 – is captured on CCTV travelling north on Forsyth Road in Truganina at approximately 2.12am.
A ring camera at the Dover Street house also captures the moment the house is set alight, before two men, one carrying what appears to be a jerry can, flee the scene.
Anyone with information or who recognises the man in the facefit or the vehicle involved is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
