A disturbing video has emerged of a man being set on fire at his front door in Baldivis, just south of Perth.
The incident, which occurred on December 30, has left the victim, a man in his 40s, fighting for his life with critical burns to his body and face.
A Targeted Attack
Police have confirmed that the attack was targeted, and the victim and attackers are known to each other.
The footage shows two men confronting the victim at his entrance, with one of them carrying a flammable liquid and a blowtorch, and the other holding two axes.
A man is fighting for life after a bikie-related attack in which he was allegedly set alight with a blow torch, with gang crime detectives looking for a man they say could help in the probe.
The Attack Unfolds
After a brief conversation, the victim is doused in accelerant and set alight. A fireball engulfs the man, who quickly tears off his shirt and runs for his life.
The attackers are seen spending more time on the porch, kicking at the man’s discarded flaming T-shirt before going inside the property and leaving.
Police Investigation
WA Police’s Anthony Thompson has described the incident as “extremely confronting and extremely concerning.”
A 24-year-old man has already been charged over the alleged attack, but police are still searching for 50-year-old David John Stitson, who has associations with outlaw motorcycle gangs.
Warning to the Public
Police are warning the community not to approach Stitson, who is considered a threat. “We have concerns for the community if they approach him,” Thompson said.
“If anyone knows where he is, contact the police immediately.”
The Victim’s Grueling Recovery
The victim remains in hospital, where he faces a long and difficult recovery. He is expected to undergo up to 15 surgeries and will be hospitalized for several months.
Police are urging anyone with information to come forward and help bring the perpetrators to justice.
A Warning to Potential Gang Members
Thompson has also issued a warning to anyone considering joining a gang: “If you are thinking about joining a gang or think this lifestyle appeals to you, watch the footage and think again.”
Police are committed to keeping the community safe and will do everything in their power to bring those responsible to justice.