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

Police allege two men removed the licence plates from a silver Nissan X-Trail on Exley Drive at Hampton East on September 28, and shortly after drove to the back of the vacant bowling alley on the Nepean Highway at 2.50pm.

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 other man is tall with a thin build and was wearing a black and white beanie, sunglasses, red and black jacket, black pants and black and white shoes.

Both men were also wearing masks.

The X-Trail is believed to be a 2017 to 2023 model, featuring roof rails, a visible dent to the lower section of the driver’s door, a rear driver-side window visor and a smashed 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.