Police appeal for witnesses for ‘suspicious’ Melbourne grassfire that threatened homes

Police have released images of a man they wish to speak to as they investigate a suspicious grassfire near homes in Melbourne’s north-west on Monday.

The blaze blackened the grass and damaged fences and sheds after a paddock near Rowell Place in Taylors Lakes caught fire.

It burned for about two hours before firefighters brought it under control shortly after 5:30pm on Monday.

A watch and act alert was issued for Taylors Lakes and Calder Park, while surrounding suburbs fell under an advice alert.

About 40 people were forced to move from their homes as the fire burned.