Two men, a blowtorch and an axe: How the Churchill Hotel was set ablaze

A car pulls up to the rear entrance of the Churchill Hotel on Balfour Place. Two men exit the vehicle and approach the building, one carrying an axe and a blowtorch, the other what appear to be two jerrycans of accelerant.

The pair walk up the eight steps at the back of the pub, and one man places the jerrycans  on the ground before returning to the vehicle to fetch a third jerrycan.

The man with the axe begins smashing in a door with the back of the axe. Shards of material are sent flying, and it takes him nine swings before the men - jerrycans in tow - are able to enter the building.

After 30 seconds they exit the building, one man carrying a jerrycan. The other man starts the blowtorch and sets the hotel ablaze.

The men head back to the car, but one is forced to return near the flames to retrieve the axe.

This scene played out in the early morning of May 13, and on the weekend police released CCTV footage showing how the men went about setting the pub on fire.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV/dashcam footage or information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au