Families search for answers after fatal fire
The families of two men killed in a fatal fire that was allegedly lit in a targeted attack are searching for answers as police continue to investigate the incident five months after their deaths.
Police have made a desperate plea for any information from the public to help identify the attackers as they continue to investigate the fatal fire that killed two men as they slept in Melbourne’s west earlier this year.
Emergency services were called to a Sunshine North panel shop that was on fire about 4am on Friday, February 23.
Investigators were told a white dual cab ute pulled up outside the Bunnett St business about 3.51am.
A man stepped out of the ute and poured the contents of a jerry can on the factory door before igniting it.
As the building went up in flames, the man returned to the waiting ute and fled the scene.
The fire spread to a factory behind the panel shop on Marshall St, where two men were sleeping inside.
Tragically, the men aged 42 and 48 old from Sunshine North both died at the scene.
Detectives from the arson and explosives squad believe the fire was a targeted attack and have released CCTV of the ute hoping that someone might recognise it.
The white dual cab ute has a silver tray and was captured on CCTV travelling on Bunnett St in a northerly direction.
It was later found burnt out on Gisborne Rd in Coimadai about 5.20am.
Acting Inspector Tracy Johnston said it was an incredibly tragic incident.
“Two men innocently sleeping have lost their lives as a result of this reckless and abhorrent criminal behaviour,” she said.
“Any arson attack is incredibly concerning for police, and on this occasion, it has had the most devastating of outcomes. There are now two families missing a loved father, brother, son.
“These two men were much loved by their family and friends, all of whom are still grieving their loss and searching for answers as to why this has occurred.
“Now is the time to do the right thing – if you have any information or you recognise this vehicle, please come forward and speak to police so we can hold those responsible to account.”
Investigators are urging anyone who recognises the vehicle or who may have been in the area at the time and has CCTV or dashcam footage to contact police.
