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AAP
AAP
National
Allanah Sciberras

Mobile data could lead police to deadly arson attackers

Police say they are closing in on those behind a deadly arson attack on a home in Melbourne's west. (Diego Fedele/AAP PHOTOS)

Police are closing in on the culprits of an arson attack in which an innocent woman was killed when a townhouse was set alight in a case of mistaken identity.

Katie Tangey, 27, died along with her family's dog after arsonists hit the wrong address while she was house-sitting her brother's home at Truganina in Melbourne's west, in the early hours of January 16.

Police believe mobile phone data could provide answers in the case, after several phones were seized during a search warrant at a home in Dandenong on Thursday.

Police search
Police believe they are closing in on the culprits of an arson attack. (HANDOUT/VICTORIA POLICE)

Detective Inspector Chris Murray said although no arrests were made, police believe the crime is "solvable". 

"We know we are getting closer," he said on Thursday.

"If you know absolutely anything, I cannot implore you enough to find it in yourself to do the right thing and come forward."

Police revealed in February the crime was likely linked to Victoria's illicit tobacco trade wars.

Katie Tangey
Burlesque performer Katie Tangey died in an arson attack thought to be a case of mistaken identity. (HANDOUT/CHANIE HYDE)

Detectives have been working closely with Taskforce Lunar, a police unit focused on organised crime syndicates and their links to the illicit tobacco trade.

Det Insp Murray said officers were "absolutely determined" to provide what closure and justice they can to the family of Ms Tangey.

The Hoppers Crossing woman, a popular burlesque performer, called emergency services for help from the three-storey townhouse but she and the family's golden retriever did not survive the blaze.

A dark coloured vehicle - similar to a BMW X3 - was seen travelling north on Forsyth Road in Truganina at 2.12am before a camera at the house captured it engulfed in flames and two men, one carrying what appears to be a jerry can, fleeing the scene.

Composite image of person of interest in Truganina arson attack
Police released a composite image of a man they want to speak to over the deadly arson attack. (HANDOUT/VICTORIA POLICE)

A digital composite image of a man who police wanted to speak to over the attack was released in April.

The blaze devastated the family, including Ms Tangey's brother and his wife who were on their honeymoon at the time.

Det Insp Murray described the incident as one of the most tragic he has seen in 38 years on the force.

"I know Katie's family would want nothing more than to see her live out the whole life she had ahead of her but the least we can do is make sure those responsible for this tragedy are held accountable for their actions," Det Insp Murray said.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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