Yarra Ranges Detectives are seeking information regarding the fire that occurred at the old IGA building in Warburton on 13 June 2022.
Police have now received CCTV footage of persons who may be able to assist with the investigation.
Detective Senior Constable at Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit Michael Potter said they are looking for the people pictured in the CCTV footage.
“We’re hoping that they can assist, given their proximity to where the fire was and the time of the fire with our inquiries,” he said.
“They appear to be a male and a female, and we don’t know their age at this stage but they look to be under 18. We haven’t been able to identify them at this stage through other means.”
The male appears to have medium-length curly hair and wore a vest, a long-sleeved undergarment, white pants or jeans and black boots or other shoes. The female has dark hair, worn tied back, wore a similar vest and long-sleeved undergarment, with grey tracksuit pants and black shoes.
Snr Cst Potter said the impact of the fire could’ve been far worse.
“First of all, the financial impact on the owner of the business itself, although it wasn’t in operation, there’s a significant amount of damage to that building. Neighbouring businesses also suffered damage to their wall, roof and equipment,” he said.
“Although it was in winter, our concern is always a bushfire especially given the proneness of Warburton for bushfires, we are just lucky it wasn’t summertime. Without the local fire brigade who was able to respond quickly, it would’ve been far more catastrophic damage.”
Anyone who has information is encouraged to contact Yarra Ranges Detectives at 97392401 or Crime Stoppers if they wish to report anonymously at 1800 333 000.
