Detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad are appealing for public assistance as part of their investigation into a fatal fire in Sunshine North in February of this year.
Emergency services were called to reports of a panel shop on fire on Bunnett Street just after 4am on Friday, 23 February.
Investigators have been told a white dual cab ute pulled up outside the Bunnett Street business at 3.51am, before a male exits the vehicle, emptying the contents of a jerry can on the factory door before igniting it.
He returns to the waiting vehicle as the building goes up in flames, and they flee the scene.
The fire subsequently spread to a building behind the panel shop, a factory on Marshall Street, where two people were sleeping inside at the time.
Tragically, the two men, a 42-year-old and a 48-year-old both from Sunshine North, died at the scene.
Detectives believe the initial fire was a targeted attack and are today releasing CCTV of the vehicle involved in the hope someone may recognise it.
The white dual cab ute has a silver tray and is captured on CCTV travelling on Bunnett Street in a northerly direction.
It was later found burnt out on Gisborne Road in Coimadai around 5.20am.
Investigators are urging anyone who recognises the vehicle or who may have been in the area the time and has CCTV or dashcam footage to contact police.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Acting Inspector Tracy Johnston, Arson and Explosives Squad:
"This is an incredibly tragic incident - two men innocently sleeping have lost their lives as a result of this reckless and abhorrent criminal behaviour.
"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."
