Police are searching for a half-naked man after finding scorched underwear at a burnt-out fast food restaurant.
Emergency services were called to Doncaster Road, in Melbourne’s north-east, about 3am on Wednesday after reports the restaurant was on fire.
Initial investigations have shown that the fire was deliberately started before the automatic sprinkler system exploded a short time later.
Police found a pair of burnt underwear at the scene and later discovered some slightly scorched shoes and pants nearby.
“Despite a thorough search of the area, the semi-naked perpetrator was not located,” Victoria Police said in a statement.
‘Police are on the hunt for the only Victorian who might want Santa to bring a pair of knickers on Christmas Day.’
Firefighters from Fire and Rescue Victoria extinguished the flames and a small burn mark from the fire was left on the surface of a nearby footpath.
A spokesperson for Fire and Recue Victoria told Daily Mail Australia the fire was brought under control within 10 minutes.
Firefighters from Fire and Rescue Victoria quickly extinguished the flames and dozing residents living in nearby apartments were evacuated from the area at the time (photo stock image)
Police are on the hunt for a half-naked man after underwear was found near a fast food store in Melbourne in the early hours of Christmas morning (stock photo)
‘About 10-20 residents of nearby apartments were evacuated and [were] may return after approximately two hours,” the spokesperson said.
“The scene was handed over to Victoria Police.”
The police are further investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who has any information, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.