Man suffers critical burns in Melton during suspected attempt to set shop on fire
In Melton, a suburb of Melbourne, a man aged between 20 and 29 suffered critical burns during a suspected attempt to set a shop on fire. Emergency services were called to Alexander Street shortly before 3:00 a.m. The injured man was found at the fire scene and airlifted to The Alfred hospital in Melbourne.
As ABC News Australia reports, Ambulance Victoria specified that the man sustained injuries to his upper and lower body. Victoria Police are investigating the circumstances of the incident; according to their preliminary assessment, the attack may have been targeted.
Surveillance camera footage
Surveillance camera footage shows a pickup truck reversing towards the building, after which several men exit it carrying containers that likely contained fuel. Moments later, flames engulfed two men.
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One of them tried to put out the fire by rolling on the ground, then got into the vehicle, where flames later erupted again. Fire Rescue Victoria said its crews arrived at the scene within four minutes and brought the fire under control at approximately 3:12 a.m. The incident was deemed suspicious and referred to police for investigation.
Search for two men
Law enforcement officers are searching for two other men believed to be involved in the incident. According to police, one of them may have severe burns to his hands and legs.
The pickup truck used in the incident was later found on the Western Highway in Hopetoun Park, about 50 kilometres northwest of Melbourne. Investigators are establishing all circumstances of the fire.
