ONE of the suspects involved in setting off a spate of fires in Tarneit early on Monday may have suffered a serious burn during the attack.

A man, believed to be in his late 40s was spotted standing by one of the cars just before it burst into flames for the second time on Monday morning at about 5.20am.

The witness told police the man was nearly knocked over by the blast.

As the offender ran from the scene smoke was spotted coming from his clothing.

The drama in Cottesloe Boulevard started at 3.20am when police and the CFA were called after the cars were initially set on fire.

Investigators discovered the fires were the result of Molotov cocktails being placed inside the vehicles.

Two cars were badly damaged but the third only received slight damage as the device failed to properly ignite.

The fires were put out and emergency services left the scene.

But at 5.20am, police say the same cars were set alight again and completely destroyed.

Police believe that two offenders initially drove to the location in a small two-door sedan before putting the devices in the three vehicles.

They have released CCTV footage showing what they believe to be one of the offender’s vehicle pulling up in Cottesloe Boulevard and the second attack where the man returned to the scene.

Victoria Police spokeswoman Creina O’Grady said there was no known connection between the victims other than being neighbours.

“We really don’t know why the vehicles were targeted and why the person was so persistent to go back a second time,” Ms O’Grady said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au