Body discovered after fire engulfs Melbourne home

Emergency crews have discovered a body inside a Melbourne home after a suspicious fire tore through the property.

Homicide detectives and the arson squad swarmed the scene in Wantirna after the home on Templeton Street became engulfed in flames around 8am today.

Witnesses have told 9News a man was seen on the roof of the property shortly before emergency services were called.

"A couple of tradies around the back [of the house] saw a bloke up on the roof earlier," Gerald, who witnessed the fire, told 9News.

The ferocious fire took firefighters close to an hour to bring under control, before crews discovered the body inside.

Bec Harris, a neighbour in the street, said she had heard there was a "hold up at one of the houses" recently.

"There was quite a few cop cars," she said.

Neighbours have told 9News an elderly couple live at the property.

An 81-year-old man remains under police guard in hospital.