Source : Perth Now news
A suspected arson attack outside a suburban Melbourne home has ended with a teenager in hospital fighting for life.
Emergency crews were called to Woolwich Way in Taylors Hill about 5.12am after two vehicles parked in a driveway were found alight.
Nearby, a teenage boy was discovered with critical burns to his upper and lower body and taken to hospital.
Police believe the boy tried to escape in a white Hyundai Tucson after the attack, but crashed into bushes a short distance away.
Investigators believe the SUV had been stolen from Hoppers Crossing the previous day.
Two other people are believed to have run from the scene on foot after the firebombing.
As the fire took hold, a man inside the home grabbed a hose and rushed outside in an effort to put out the flames before firefighters arrived.
A woman who lives at the address described her anger and disbelief after the attack.
“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 now working to piece together what led to the blaze, including whether it has links to organised crime.
Detective Inspector Chris Murray said the case was another stark example of the danger facing teenagers who become caught up in serious offending.
“Once again, we see the devastating consequences of arson and the dangers facing young people who become involved in organised crime,” Inspector Murray said.
“Young people are 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.
“To young people considering getting involved in these crimes, I say, the risks are real, arson isn’t worth your life.”
Police are urging anyone with CCTV, dashcam footage or other information to contact Crime Stoppers.
