Police are searching for a half-naked man after finding a pair of charred underwear in a burned-out fast food establishment.
Emergency services were called to Doncaster Road, in Melbourne’s northeast, about 3am on Wednesday after reports the restaurant was on fire.
Initial investigations have determined that the fire was deliberately started before the automatic sprinkler system was activated a short time later.
Police found a pair of burnt underwear at the scene before discovering some lightly charred shoes and pants nearby.
“Despite an extensive search of the area, the semi-naked offender was not located,” Victoria Police said in a statement.
“Police are looking for the only Victorian who might want Santa to bring him underpants on Christmas Day.”
Firefighters from Fire and Rescue Victoria extinguished the flames and a small burn mark was left on the surface of a nearby footpath.
A Fire and Recue Victoria spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia the fire was brought under control within 10 minutes.
Firefighters from Fire and Rescue Victoria quickly extinguished the flames and dozens of residents living in nearby apartments were evacuated from the area at the time (file image pictured)
Police are searching for a half-naked man after underwear was found near a fast food shop in Melbourne in the early hours of Christmas morning (file image pictured).
“Between 10 and 20 residents of nearby apartments were evacuated and were able to return after about two hours,” the spokesperson said.
“The scene was handed over to Victoria Police.”
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.