By Bonny Burrows
Police have released CCTV footage of the moments before the Pakenham Hotel went up in flames last month in a suspected arson attack.
An unknown male has been captured on CCTV walking in the vicinity of the Main Street pub just prior to the incident at 1.30am on 15 November.
Police are hoping to speak to the man in the video in the hope that he can assist with their inquiries.
Firefighters were called to the blaze after a man delivering goods to a nearby cafe notified emergency services of smoke billowing from the Main Street hotel’s roof just before 1.30am.
Six fire trucks from Pakenham, Nar Nar Goon, Toomuc and Dandenong CFA were called in but unfortunately more than $250,000 in “significant damage” had been done to the upper level of the hotel before the fire was bought under control.
Pakenham Hotel owner of 11 years Brendan Theobald described feeling “overwhelmed and disappointed” upon learning of the fire.
“I’ve been in the hotel business for 30-odd years and I’ve never had to deal with anything like this before,” Mr Theobald said in the wake of the blaze.
The hotel was closed for nine days following the attack but reopened on 24 November, with the lounge bar and bistro was back up and running.
Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed any suspicious behaviour in the area at the time of the fire to come forward.
Those with any information are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Police want to know if this man can help.
