Victoria Police release footage of arson attack at Wendouree gym

Dramatic images have been released of an arson attack on a gym in regional Victoria that caused "significant damage" to the premises.

The CCTV footage, released by Victoria Police, shows multiple angles of an arson attack on the Infinite MMA Gym in Wendouree gym in the early hours of Saturday 25th May.

Victorian Police said two males forced the doors of the facility open at about 3.20am, pouring an accelerant inside and at the front of the building before lighting it.

Footage from outside the gym shows a hooded man in shorts using a jerrycan to pour the accelerant before igniting the fire and running away.

A second camera inside the gym shows the flames race across the floor as the fire burns at the entrance of the premises.

The footage begins in black and white as the security cameras record the events in night mode, but the intensity of the flames can soon be seen in full colour as the light of the inferno tricks the camera to thinking its daytime.

Victoria Police said the fire caused "significant damage" to the reception area of the gym, but thankfully no one was inside at the time of the incident.

Ballarat Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance to help solve the crime, releasing the footage along with a description of one of the individuals.

In a statement, the Unit advised “one man is described as being of a tall, stocky build. He was wearing a hoodie, clack gloves, shorts and Nike runners. A description of the second man was described as “unknown”.

Police said the two males fled on foot and headed east from the premises.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Images: Victoria Police have released dramatic imagery of an arson attack on Wendouree gym. Credit: Victoria Police.