A teenage boy is in a critical condition after suffering severe burns in a suspected arson attack in Taylors Hill, suburban Melbourne.
Emergency services were called to Woolwich Way at about 5.12am after two vehicles parked in a driveway were set alight. The boy was found nearby with burns to his upper and lower body and taken to hospital.
Police believe he attempted to flee in a white Hyundai Tucson after the attack, before crashing into bushes a short distance from the property. Investigators believe the vehicle had been stolen from Hoppers Crossing the previous day.
Two other people are also believed to have escaped on foot after the cars were torched.
A man inside the home ran outside with a hose and tried to tackle the flames before firefighters arrived.
A woman living at the address said she was angry and disbelieving after the incident.
“You know what? You want to do that to people, and try and get away with it? That’s what happens when you play with fire. You get burned,” she told 9News.
Detectives are investigating what led to the blaze, including whether it was connected to organised crime.
Detective Inspector Chris Murray said the incident highlighted the dangers faced by teenagers involved in serious offending.
“Once again, we see the devastating consequences of arson and the dangers facing young people who become involved in organised crime,” he said.
Inspector Murray said young people were increasingly being targeted and exploited by organised crime groups to carry out high-risk criminal activity.
“These groups often use teenagers because they believe they are less likely to attract attention or face the same consequences as adult offenders,” he said.
“To young people considering getting involved in these crimes, I say, the risks are real, arson isn’t worth your life.”
Police have appealed for anyone with CCTV, dashcam footage or other information to contact Crime Stoppers.
