Police believe two men are responsible for a fire that gutted a vacant former bowling alley in Melbourne’s south-east.

The police have accused two men of removing the license plates from a silver Nissan X-Trail on Exley Drive in Hampton East on September 28. Afterwards, they allegedly drove to the rear of the abandoned bowling alley on the Nepean Highway at approximately 2:50 pm.

The pair entered the building and allegedly set fire to it, before fleeing in the car in a northern direction on the Nepean Highway at around 3.20pm.

There were no reports of any injuries.

CCTV images of the two suspects have now been released by police as they aim to identify the perpetrators.

Both males are Caucasian in appearance and are aged in their 20s to 30s.

The driver is of average height and solid build, with short dark hair and a beard.

He was wearing a black hoodie, orange and yellow vest, black pants and black and red shoes.

The second man is described as tall with a slim build, dressed in a black and white beanie, sunglasses, a red and black jacket, black pants, and black and white shoes.

Both men were also wearing masks.

The Nissan X-Trail in question is thought to be a model from 2017 to 2023, with notable features including roof rails, a visible dent on the lower part of the driver’s door, a visor on the rear driver-side window, and a shattered rear passenger-side window.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, with CCTV or dashcam footage, or with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.