Molotov cocktail flung at Melbourne home 'may be mistaken identity'

Police believe a Molotov cocktail may have been thrown at a home in northwest Melbourne in a case of mistaken identity.

The unit on Austen Crescent in Pascoe Vale was damaged after a makeshift bomb was thrown at the front window, cracking the glass and charring a brick wall, just after 10.30pm yesterday.

Kamal Akisetty was at home watching television at the time of the attack but escaped injury.

Mr Akisetty said he had no idea why his home had been targeted.

“I suddenly saw a big bang, and from the window, big flames,” a shaken Mr Akisetty said today.

“If [the window had] broken, petrol could have come into the house.”

Police said a neighbour has since claimed the petrol bomb was intended for their residence.

They are investigating whether a similar incident at a neighbouring home in January is linked to last night’s attack.

Witnesses claim to have seen two men fleeing the street at the time the firebomb was thrown.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.