- Published:
- Thursday, 12 June 2025 at 12:53 pm
Detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad have today executed a search warrant at a residential address in Dandenong as part of their investigation into a fatal house fire in Truganina in January.
No arrests were made however police seized a number of mobile phones from the address which will now be forensically analysed.
Today’s activity follows a public appeal for information and an information caravan held on Dover Street in Truganina in April.
Via anonymous reports to Crime Stoppers, police were provided information, including a particular call where a name has been given of a pseudonym or nickname. Investigators are still urging this particular caller to make further contact and provide additional information.
Arson and Explosives Squad detectives have been working closely with Taskforce Lunar after confirming in February that Victoria Police is of the belief that this arson attack was likely linked to the illicit tobacco dispute.
Information received suggests it was a targeted attack but at the wrong address.
Investigators know Katie Tangey was completely innocent and had nothing to do with the illicit tobacco trade.
Shortly after 2am on Thursday, 16 January, CCTV captures two people get out of a dark coloured vehicle – similar to a BMW X3 or X5 – parked outside the address.
A significant explosion then occurs and the pair leave the area, with the 27-year-old Hoppers Crossing woman inside the property subsequently calling triple zero (000) to say the home was engulfed in fire.
Emergency services were initially called to reports of a fire at a residential property on Dover Street about 2.30am on Thursday, 16 January.
Katie Tangey was inside housesitting the property at the time, which belongs to one of her family members.
Katie, and the family’s golden retriever, died at the scene and the three-storey townhouse was completely destroyed.
A dark coloured vehicle – similar to a BMW X3 or X5 – is captured on CCTV travelling north on Forsyth Road in Truganina at approximately 2.12am.
A ring camera at the Dover Street house also captures the moment the house is engulfed, before two men, one carrying what appears to be a jerry can, flee the scene.
Over the past five months a significant investigation has taken place to determine the motivation for the attack and who was responsible.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Chris Murray, Arson & Explosives Squad:
“We are absolutely determined to provide what closure and justice we can to the family of Katie Tangey.
“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.
“I would like to thank those who have already provided information to us via Crime Stoppers, but please, we need you to come forward with additional information.
“We know this is solvable, and we know we are getting closer. If you know absolutely anything, I cannot implore you enough to find it in yourself to do the right thing and come forward.”
Maddy McDermott
Media Unit
134516
Updated