Police appeal for witnesses for ‘suspicious’ Melbourne grassfire that threatened homes
Police are hoping the man pictured on the bicycle can help with their investigation. Photo: Victoria Police
Police have released images of a man they wish to speak to as they investigate a suspicious grassfire near homes in Melbourne’s north-west on Monday.
The blaze blackened the grass and damaged fences and sheds after a paddock near Rowell Place in Taylors Lakes caught fire.
It burned for about two hours before firefighters brought it under control shortly after 5:30pm on Monday.
A watch and act alert was issued for Taylors Lakes and Calder Park, while surrounding suburbs fell under an advice alert.
About 40 people were forced to move from their homes as the fire burned.
Brimbank Crime Investigation Unit detectives are treating the fire as suspicious.
They have released CCTV footage of a man on a bicycle who they wish to identify in the hopes he can help with the investigation.
Anyone who recognises the man on the bicycle or who has other information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
While fewer bushfires are forecast this summer than the horrific blazes that marked the Black Summer, authorities are concerned the risk of grassfires will be higher.
–ABC
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