DETECTIVES have released security camera footage of a man near the scene of an arson attack in central Wodonga.
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The fire caused extensive damage, estimated at more than $150,000, with further losses for businesses forced to close.
Electricity remains off for most of the businesses except for one running off a generator.
Detective Sergeant Graeme Simpfendorfer said police were trying to identify a man filmed walking in the area before the fire.
He was wearing a dark hoodie, with what appears to be the figure “8” and other numbers on the front.
The man appears to cover his face as he walks down an alley near the fire scene.
Police have conducted an extensive door knock and letter drop as they investigate the incident and have been supplied with security camera footage.
Detective Sergeant Simpfendorfer said if the person in the footage recognised themselves, “please make contact with us urgently”.
“We believe the person in this footage is crucial to our investigation,” he said.
“We’re not sure who it is at this point.
“We’re after the public’s help to identify who this is.”
The person was filmed entering the complex, but was not filmed leaving as the power was cut to the camera by the fire.
Detective Sergeant Simpfendorfer said the man’s jumper was distinctive.
“There will be people who know who this is,” he said.
“We want them to contact us.”
David Turnbull hopes his business, Sunrise Power Solutions, will return to normal trade after being forced to close by the power outage.
“It's frustrating,” he said.
“We're missing out on all of our walk-in traffic.”
He said the fire had cost him about 20 customers and thousands of dollars, but said other business had be harder hit.
Call (02) 6049 2600 or 1800 333 000 with information.
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