The footage shows two men pouring a flammable liquid over the front of a burger business in Melbourne, Australia, early on Christmas morning – with one coming a cropper
Arsonist sets themselves on fire after allegedly attempting to burn down burger joint
A man was forced to leave his scorched underwear outside a restaurant after accidentally setting himself on fire in an alleged arson attack.
Shocking CCTV footage has captured the moment the alleged firestarter attempted the crime during the early hours of Christmas Day. The footage shows a pair pouring a flammable liquid over the front of the Royal Stacks restaurant in Melbourne, Australia, at 2.40am local time on December 25.
But seconds after the fire was lit, it quickly spread and ignited the clothes of one of the suspects. The footage then shows the culprit running down the street with his bottom half on fire, desperately trying to douse the flames. In his panic, the man pulls off his trousers and underwear and runs away half naked from the scene with his bottom on display.
And another clip from a CCTV camera shows the man desperately trying to remove his clothing and running away – with the items appearing to get caught around his left foot. The motive behind the suspected arson attack and the condition of the man who was set alight remain unknown.
Detectives said they ran to a Toyota Tarago being used as a getaway car. They believe it was being driven by a third offender. The accomplice is seen running alongside them, but it appears the other makes no effort to help the man. Investigators believe two people drove to the premises and approached the outlet with a container of flammable liquid.
“The liquid was poured over the front of the business and the offenders attempted to set it alight,” police said. “The liquid caught fire, as did the clothing of one of the offenders who stripped off their burning garments as they ran back to the Tarago along with the other offender who had collected the jerry can.”
The force added: “The Tarago, which is believed to have been driven by a third offender, was last seen headed east on Doncaster Road.” Police have now released the CCTV footage to the public in the hopes of identifying the offenders.
The fire did not cause substantial damage to the shop, but the sprinklers were activated. A small burn mark was left on the footpath. Police said the singed trousers, shoes and underpants were left at the scene. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
