CCTV captures moment flames engulf family home in suspected arson

Police have released footage of a suspected arson that engulfed a family home in Cobden, south-west Victoria. A father and his two children were inside the Mitchell Street property when the fire broke out just after 6am on February 5. The man heard the flames force their way inside and tried to fight the fire while calling for emergency services.

Warrnambool Crime Investigation Unit Detective Andrew Raven stated that the fire was "deliberate and incredibly reckless." The children were fortunate to escape without injury, and Detective Raven emphasized the potential devastation had this been a different outcome, especially considering the children could have been asleep when the fire started.

Police are seeking the public's assistance in identifying a man captured on CCTV at the scene. The individual is wearing a blue jacket with its hood pulled up, black pants, and runners, with his face covered. Additionally, police have released images of a silver Mazda 3 observed traveling along Camperdown-Cobden Road approximately five minutes after the fire.

The car's rear-left window features an external sunshade, and there is damage to the rear-left bumper. Detectives believe the attack was targeted but remain unclear on the motive behind the fire. Detective Sergeant Raven explained that while several lines of inquiry have been pursued, the community's help is crucial in resolving the investigation.

The public is encouraged to reach out to Crimestoppers if they witnessed the fire, recognize the man or vehicle, or possess any relevant dashcam footage.