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Rachael Ward

Clue in hunt for 'lowlife' arsonists over deadly attack

An image has been released of a man police wish to speak with over a fatal arson attack on a home. (HANDOUT/VICTORIA POLICE)

Underworld figures disgusted by the death of an innocent woman in a firebombing on the wrong house have been urged to examine their consciences and reveal what they know.

Katie Tangey, 27, was house-sitting for her brother when his home in Melbourne's west was engulfed in flames in the early hours of January 16.

Two men were seen getting out of a car moments before the Truganina house exploded.

They were then spotted fleeing with what appeared to be a jerry can, while Ms Tangey called triple zero from inside.

Footage shows the house fire that left a young woman dead in Truganina in January. (Diego Fedele / Sahil Arora)

She and the family's golden retriever died as the three-story townhouse was destroyed.

Police believe it was a targeted attack linked to an ongoing war between criminal gangs over the profits of illegal tobacco.

They say the offenders got the wrong address and Ms Tangey was not involved in the criminality.

MELBOURNE FATAL HOUSE FIRE
The night of Katie Tangey's death was the first time she had ever stayed away from home. (Supplied by Chanie Hyde via Gofundme / AAP PHOTOS)

An anonymous tipster contacted police and provided the "street name" of one of the men involved, but investigators need more information to follow up, Detective Inspector Chris Murray said on Thursday.

The call revealed someone involved in the illicit tobacco war had a conscience, the senior officer said, appealing directly to them to help find the two "lowlives" who killed Ms Tangey.

"If they're disgusted, which they should be, do the right thing, seriously," Det Insp Murray said.

"Call Crime Stoppers, they don't have to put their name to anything, give us the information we need to progress this."

Police appeal to the public for information about a house fire that killed a young woman in January. (Victoria Police / James Ros)

Detectives have theories on who was involved but are keeping an open mind, stressing no piece of information is too insignificant.

The appeal coincided with the release of the image of a man who police wanted to speak to over the attack.

The photo was created by compiling enhanced CCTV footage. The man is described as being of Middle Eastern appearance, between 25-30 years old with a slim build and wearing an orange or yellow jumper.

Victoria Police Detective Inspector Chris Murray
Det Insp Murray says police want to solve the crime to give the family closure. (James Ross / AAP PHOTOS)

Det Insp Murray described the incident as one of the most tragic he has seen in 38 years in the force, pointing out that Ms Tangey would have spent her final moments knowing she was about to die.

"Katie was completely innocent, home alone, absolutely in fear and did not deserve this," he said.

"This is one crime we want to solve, we want to do that for the Tangey family, give them some closure and do what is right for their poor daughter and sister."

An information caravan with details about the fire has been set up in the local area in the hope of jogging residents' memories.

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