Detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad are today releasing a digital composite image of a man they would like to speak to and holding an information caravan following a fatal house fire in Truganina in January.
The image of the man's face was compiled using CCTV footage which has been enhanced.
He is described as Middle Eastern in appearance, aged between 25-30 years old and with a slim build.
Investigators will today hold an information caravan in the area (on Dover Street) from 7am where the tragic incident occurred in the hope someone has information about those involved.
The information caravan is deliberately on a Thursday - the same day as the fatal fire - in the hope it will be able to capture the same people who would have been going about their daily lives - a morning walk, a run, a school drop off or commute to work etc.
Importantly, there has been a number of anonymous reports to Crime Stoppers providing investigators with information. This includes one particular call where a name has been given of a pseudonym or nickname. Investigators would like this particular caller to make further contact and provide additional information.
Investigators have been working closely with Taskforce Lunar after confirming in February that Victoria Police is of the belief that this arson attack was likely linked to the illicit tobacco dispute.
Information received suggests it was a targeted attack but at the wrong address.
Investigators know Katie Tangey was completely innocent and had nothing to do with the illicit tobacco trade.
Shortly after 2am on Thursday, 16 January, 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 occurs and the pair leave the area, with the 27-year-old Hoppers Crossing woman inside the property subsequently calling triple zero (000) to say the home was engulfed in fire.
Emergency services were initially called to reports of a fire at a residential property on Dover Street about 2.30am on Thursday, 16 January.
Katie Tangey was inside housesitting the property at the time, which belongs to one of her family members.
Katie, 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 engulfed, before two men, one carrying what appears to be a jerry can, flee the scene.
Over the past seven weeks a significant investigation has taken place to determine the motivation for the attack and who was responsible.
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 submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Chris Murray, Arson & Explosives Squad:
"If you recognise the man in the facefit, have any knowledge of those involved or the location of the car - a dark coloured BMW X3 or X5 - I cannot implore you enough to find it in yourself to do the right thing and come forward.
"I would like to thank those who have already provided information to us via Crime Stoppers, but please, we need you to come forward with additional information. While we have been given information such as names, we believe these to be street names and not their formal identities.
"This is one of the most tragic incidents I have seen in my 38 years of policing. Katie Tangey was 27, she had her whole life ahead of her, and the night this occurred, she was staying away from home for the first time ever.
"Katie had just enough time to call Triple Zero, and she would have spent her final moments on her own, knowing she was going to die. It is an unimaginable horror I hope nobody else has to experience.
"We know this is solvable, and we know we are getting closer. We know this, because there are people out there who are talking and who are providing information.
"If you know anything - no matter how small, please, make the right choice - for Katie and her family."
