Victoria police have arrested three teenagers over a firebombing of two cars in a Melbourne suburb. A 13-year-old boy injured in the blaze remains in critical condition with burns to more than 90% of his body.
Police said the incident took place on Monday on Woolwich Way in Taylors Hill. The teenager tried to escape in a white Hyundai Tucson but crashed into bushes. Investigators believe the vehicle had been stolen in Hoppers Crossing on Oct. 4.
Detectives from the arson and explosives squad made the arrests early Thursday. Investigators are looking into who may have organized the firebombing. Detective Inspector Chris Murray said police would seek to identify not only those directly involved but also anyone who may have tasked them.
The attack came amid a series of vehicle fires in Melbourne. Local media and police said 13 cars had been torched across the city during the week. Police and firefighters were investigating several new fires in different suburbs on Thursday. The motive and any links between incidents remain under investigation.
Police asked witnesses and people with dashcam or security-camera footage to contact Victoria’s Crime Stoppers.