Victim identified in Melbourne blaze which police believe is a case of mistaken identity arson

A Melbourne burlesque performer has been identified as the young woman killed in a suspected case of arson targeting the wrong address at Truganina, in Melbourne’s west, on Thursday.

Katie Tangey, 27, who performs under the name Vivien May-Royale, was housesitting for her brother when the townhouse was allegedly set alight about 2am.

By the time emergency services reached the three-storey dwelling on Dover St, the blaze was so intense firefighters were unable to enter and Tangey, who was trapped inside, died.

It is believed a family dog also died in the fire.

Police have said neither Tangey nor any of her family members have any criminal history — leading to the belief the offenders targeted the wrong address.

Relatives and friends have paid tribute to Tangey

“Friends., the glorious Vivien May-Royale otherwise known as Katie was the 27-year-old who died yesterday in the targeted house fire in Truganina,” friend Cherry Charleston said.

“Her mum has asked that I share to the burlesque world so we can celebrate her sparkliness.

“I adored her. Phoenix Burlesque adored her. And we loved her relationship with her beautiful fierce mum, Tracey Tangey.

“Katie’s family is beyond devastated. Please share all your stories and photos of Katie Lee and tag her so the family can know just how much we loved her.”

On Thursday, Detective Inspector Chris Murray said two men got out of a dark-coloured vehicle outside the townhouse, jumped the fence of the property and poured accelerant inside before setting it alight.

An explosion ensued, engulfing the entire property in flames.

The men then jumped back into the car and fled south down Dover St.

Murray said Tangey had been housesitting the property for her brother, who was on his honeymoon.

He confirmed neither Tangey nor any of her family members have any criminal history.

Murray called the incident “nothing short of a tragedy” and said a completely innocent person had lost their life.

“My early call is these offenders have targeted the wrong address,” he said.

“This was probably her first time really away and by herself, house-sitting for her brother who is on his honeymoon and she’s been subjected to the most appalling, despicable act one could imagine.

“‘What I would say to the offenders, whether they meant this or not, we are investigating a homicide now.”

Tangey’s brother has been spoken to as well as the rest of her family, who Murray said are “utterly devastated”.

“I keep saying this about the crime of arson, whether they meant to damage this premises or just (use it as a) scare tactic, now (the offenders) are staring at a charge of homicide, of murder,” he said.

Police have CCTV of the two individuals, who Murray said may have sustained injuries in the explosion.

He said the investigation will be complex, and police would be increasing patrols in the area to help put locals at ease.

“I’m not expecting this to be something that locals should be concerned about,” Murray said.

“We’re looking into everything.”

Police are continuing to canvass the surrounding neighbourhood for CCTV and have urged anyone with any relevant footage, or anyone who saw anything, to come forward.