Manhunt after home goes up in flames
A police manhunt is under way in Victoria after a car ploughed through the garage of a residential home and sparked a dangerous blaze.
Emergency services were called to a property on Arkose St in Greenvale in Melbourne’s north shortly after 3.30am on Tuesday following calls to triple-0.
Fire Rescue Victoria said fire crews escalated their response to the situation as the fire quickly engulfed the single-storey brick home and caused extensive damage to the property.
Thirty-five firefighters, five pumpers and an aerial appliance were called in to help tackle the intense fire.
A father and his five-year-old daughter were inside the home at the time but escaped with minor injuries.
A community safety advice was soon issued, as thick black smoke blanketed the suburban area.
Fire crews were forced to use hose lines to protect a neighbouring home under threat by the blaze, with the fire taking more than 40 minutes to bring under control.
Police allege the driver fled the scene and investigators are still working to locate them.
It remains unclear whether the blaze was sparked upon impact or if the home was set alight by the driver.
A crime scene guard remains in place and an arson chemist will attend the scene on Tuesday morning.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 18000 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
