No motive has been established for the targeted attack on the house in Hunter Avenue where a man and his teenage child were sleeping.

Detective Senior Constable Lloyd Twycross said police believed the attacker had the wrong address. 

"There's no indication why this home has been targeted,” he said.

One of several petrol bombs thrown at the house ignited, causing damage to a car and smoke damage to the front of the home. 

The vehicle from which the bombs were thrown was seen driving up and down Hunter Avenue several times prior to the attack, which took place at 1.48am.

The vehicle is believed to be a small dark coloured car and is possibly a two-door. It was carrying plates stolen from a vehicle registered to a Strathmore address. 

Several minutes later, the same vehicle was involved in an incident in which a police officer was almost run down on Eaglehawk Road. 

Senior Constable Twycross said the officer had intercepted another vehicle when he saw the car speeding towards him.

"He's stepped out to stop the vehicle, the vehicle has continued to travel towards him at high speed and he's had to jump out of the way,” he said.

Police were unaware of the petrol bombing at the time. 

The car continued at high speeds along Eaglehawk Road before doing a u-turn, turning down Don Street and then driving towards Kangaroo Flat on High Street. 

It was last seen on the Calder Freeway at the Woodend turn off. 

Call Crime Stoppers with information on 1800 333 000.