Detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad are investigating a suspicious fire in Melton early this morning that has left a man with life-threatening injuries.
Emergency services were initially called shortly after 2.50am on 3 September to reports a store near the corner of High and Alexandra streets in Melton was on fire.
A man with significant burns was located nearby and was subsequently airlifted to hospital in a critical condition.
The exact circumstance surrounding the fire are still being determined, however at this stage police believe a white ute has pulled up outside the shop and three people have left the car and entered the store.
It appears accelerant was poured in the premises and it was set alight.
Two people have subsequently suffered burns as a result of the blaze, including the man who was later located nearby.
Luckily no one was in the property at the time.
Shortly after 3am, a member called Triple Zero (000) to report a vehicle on fire on the Western Highway in Hopetoun Park.
Detectives believe this vehicle was earlier involved in the Melton fire and it has been seized for forensic testing.
Police are still trying to identify and locate the two other people involved in the incident and it’s believed one of the people has significant burns to their hands and feet.
Investigators are also releasing CCTV and images of one of the people involved, which also shows them alight, in the hope someone can help identify them.
Detectives are treating the fire as a targeted attack, however are yet to establish the motive.
Police are urging anyone with information about the fire and those involved, or who may have seen the ute and its occupants travelling through the Melton and Hopetoun Park areas to come forward.
This includes anyone who may have dash-cam footage or CCTV.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an anonymous report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Detective Inspector Chris Murray, Arson and Explosives Squad:
“We have said repeatedly that deliberately lighting fires comes with immense risk, not only to the broader community but also to the offenders involved.
“We have also seen incidents where offenders have died as a result of sustaining burns and this remains a very real possibility to happen again with this incident.
“Fire is uncontrollable and unpredictable and we can only be thankful it’s not an innocent member of the public who has been injured.
“If there is anyone out there who witnessed the fire or has any information at all about who is responsible, then I urge those people to come forward and tell us before this happens again with potentially fatal consequences.”
