DANDENONG, VIC — Detectives from Victoria Police’s Arson and Explosives Squad have searched a home in Dandenong as part of the ongoing investigation into a fatal house fire that claimed the life of a woman in Truganina earlier this year.
The fire, which broke out in the early hours of Tuesday 16 January, destroyed a townhouse on Dover Street. Katie Tangey, 27, was house-sitting for her brother while he was overseas when the home was deliberately set alight. Despite calling triple zero to report the blaze, she tragically could not escape. The family’s golden retriever, Sunny, also died in the fire.
CCTV footage released by police shows two people arriving at the property in a dark-coloured BMW X3 or X5 shortly after 2am. One of the men was seen carrying a jerry can. A large explosion followed, and both men fled the scene.
Police believe the arson attack was linked to Victoria’s illicit tobacco trade and that the address was mistakenly targeted. Ms Tangey had no known connections to the tobacco industry.
Thursday’s search of the Dandenong property led to the seizure of several mobile phones, which will now undergo forensic analysis. No arrests have been made at this time.
Detective Inspector Chris Murray said police remained committed to solving the case.
“We are absolutely determined to provide what closure and justice we can to the family of Katie Tangey,” he said. “We know this is solvable, and we know we are getting closer.”
Earlier this year, police set up an information caravan on Dover Street and issued a public appeal for witnesses, receiving several anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers — including one using a pseudonym. Investigators are now urging that individual to come forward again.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au.
