Police have issued a warning following a suspected arson attack at a tobacco shop in Melton, a suburb of Melbourne, that left a man with critical burns. The incident occurred on Thursday, September 3, 2026, according to ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
The man, believed to be involved in the incident, was engulfed in flames and left on the pavement outside the shop, reports the Sydney Morning Herald. Fire Rescue Victoria crews responded to the scene to battle the blaze at the store. The victim was subsequently taken to hospital in a critical condition, where he is now fighting for his life, according to the Herald Sun.
Police are treating the fire as suspicious and have launched a manhunt for the perpetrator. The Canberra Times reports that the suspected arsonist was "left for dead" by an accomplice following the attack. Authorities have described the act as brutal, noting that the victim was abandoned by his so-called mate after the fire broke out.
The incident has prompted a warning from police, though specific details of that warning were not disclosed in the initial reports. The attack appears to be part of a broader pattern of incidents targeting tobacco retailers in the region, though this specific connection has not been confirmed in the available reporting.
The victim remains in hospital with life-threatening injuries. Police are continuing their search for the suspect and are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward as the investigation progresses.
