Darebin Crime Investigation Unit detectives are searching for a man following an aggravated burglary in Northcote this morning, 8 April.
Investigators have been told a man entered a property on Salisbury Grove about 1.30am and turned the gas on in the kitchen then left the premises.
He returned about 2.50am with petrol, pushed past the occupant of the property and doused the entire house before attempting to ignite paper.
The 52-year-old female occupant managed to lock a security door, but the offender then splashed the door and her with petrol and proceeded to throw matches toward her.
He was not able to ignite the petrol and fled on foot.
The man is believed to be 25-year-old Ivanhoe man Bartholemew Griffth, who had absconded from a hospital this morning.
Investigators have released images of Griffith in the hope someone may know of his whereabouts.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Triple Zero (000)
