TAYLORS HILL, VIC. — Detectives from the Arson & Explosives Squad, with the assistance of Melton Crime Investigation Unit (CIU) detectives, are investigating after two cars were firebombed and a boy was found with serious burns in Taylors Hill this morning.
Emergency services responded to reports that two cars parked on Woolwich Way had been set alight at 5.08am.
Officers arrived and located two vehicles engulfed in flames, along with a teenager who was rushed to the Royal Children’s Hospital with significant burns and upper and lower body injuries.
One person, who asked not to be named, woke up to their two cars on fire in their driveway.
“I’m just in shock, I just can’t believe what’s happened,” they told 774 ABC Melbourne.
It is believed the injured teen had attempted to flee in a white Hyundai Tucson before the vehicle crashed into bushes.
Two people are believed to have fled from the scene on foot.
A neighbour, who only wanted to be known as Joe, said he used his garden tap to try to help the injured teenager.
“He looked like he was severely burnt. I tried to keep him wet as much as possible,” he said.
“I didn’t have a hose so I used my hands. I turned the tap full blast, and I tried to splash as much water as I possibly could on him.”
Premier Ben Carroll described the incident as a senseless act that has had life-changing consequences for the injured teenager.
“This will irreversibly change his life forever,” he said.
He said there must be “zero tolerance” for firebombings by youth offenders in Melbourne.
“Live a life of purpose, get a job, go on and have a great life or go down that path of criminality and have a terrible life,” Mr Carroll said on 774 ABC Melbourne Mornings.
The Tucson is believed to have been stolen from Hoppers Crossing on Sunday, October 4.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
