What to know

• A 23-year-old suspected arsonist is in critical condition with catastrophic burns after a firebombing at a Melton tobacco shop went wrong.
• His accomplice fled the scene in a getaway car and left him behind while he was still on fire; police say he will likely face an arson-causing-death charge if the injured man dies.
• The attack is suspected to be a paid job ordered by an organised crime syndicate, part of a wave of more than 150 tobacco shop firebombings in Victoria since March 2023.
• Police are still hunting the fugitive accomplice and a second vehicle believed to have been involved.

Chris Murray Detective Inspector, Victoria Police Arson and Explosives SquadUnnamed 23-year-old man Suspected arsonist, critically injuredUnnamed fugitive co-offender Suspected arsonist, at largeOrganised crime syndicate (unidentified) Alleged party ordering the firebombing