Police have released CCTV footage of two men causing an explosion inside a cafe in Melbourne's east.
It is believed the two men broke into the store in Brice Avenue, Mooroolbark, on July 1 about 2.30am before dousing the inside of the cafe with fuel and setting it on fire.
The footage showed one man set his sleeve on fire when attempting to throw a flame onto the fuel.
Detective Senior Constable Michael Potter of Victoria Police said the incident was well-planned but poorly executed.
"There was a stolen car, stolen on the night, the getaway [was] reasonable but lighting yourself on fire in the course of an arson was pretty amateurish if you ask me," he said.
"It's a family-owned business and we're unclear on the motive as to why it was done".
Police believe the same two men were involved in the theft of a white Toyota Celica from The Centreway in Ringwood about half an hour before the fire.
The car was later found burnt out in Kenross Court, Wantirna.
Senior Constable Potter said anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers.
"Particularly if someone had an injury on the left arm where the man was burnt," he said.
Owner Martin Shaw's security system was linked to his phone and he watched the fire burning while calling the emergency services.
He is offering a cash reward to anyone with any information who comes forward.
