Police are hunting for a semi-naked man after finding a pair of singed underwear at a burnt-out fast food outlet.
Emergency services were called to Doncaster Road, in Melbourne’s north-east, around 3am on Wednesday following reports the restaurant was ablaze.
Initial investigations have determined that the fire was deliberately lit before the automatic sprinkler system was set off a short time later.
Police found a pair of burned underpants at the scene before later discovering some slightly singed shoes and pants nearby.
‘Despite a thorough search of the area, the semi-naked offender was not located,’ Victoria Police said in a statement.
‘Police are on the hunt for the only Victorian, who may actually want Santa to bring underpants on Christmas day.’
Firefighters from Fire and Rescue Victoria doused the flames and a small burn mark from the fire was left on the surface of a nearby footpath.
A Fire and Recue Victoria spokesman told Daily Mail the blaze was brought under control within 10 minutes.
‘About 10-20 residents of nearby apartments were evacuated and [were] able to return after about two hours,’ the spokesman said.
‘The scene was handed to Victoria Police.’
Police continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire.
Anyone, who may have witnessed the incident, or who has any information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.