Search for man in black after Surry Hills restaurant stabbing and arson attack
Police want to question a man captured on CCTV over the stabbing of a restaurateur who was left for dead in his burning Sydney restaurant.
Passers-by alerted emergency crews after seeing smoke coming from Essenza Italian Kitchen, on the corner of Devonshire St and Crown St in Surry Hills.
A delivery driver rescued the 37-year-old manager who was found inside the building on the first floor with a number of stab wounds. The restaurateur's dog could not be retrieved, and was later found dead inside.
The man was treated for stab wounds and fire-related injuries. He has since been released from hospital.
The fire was deliberately lit with multiple ignition points identified throughout the building, according to police who are appealing for information from the public.
A man dressed in black with an unusual gait was captured on CCTV.
"I am very confident somebody out there knows who this person is," said Detective Chief Inspector Adam Johnson.
Sheridan Randall, 17th July 2019
