A man has suffered critical burns in what appears to be a bungled firebombing of a shop at Melton, in Melbourne’s outer-west.
Victoria Police said emergency services were called to reports of a fire in Alexander Street, Melton, shortly before 3am.
A man aged in his 20s was found at the scene with critical burns and was flown to the Alfred Hospital.
Ambulance Victoria said the man suffered upper and lower body injuries.
Several people can be seen at the scene of the fire in the early hours of Thursday morning. (Supplied)
CCTV from the scene shows a ute reversing into the building, before several men get out with what appears to be jerry cans full of fuel.
A few moments later, a ball of flame engulfs both men.
One man can be seen rolling around on the ground trying to extinguish flames before getting into the vehicle, where more flames erupt.
Fire crews were called to the scene just before 3am. (ABC News: Georgia Lenton-Williams)
Victoria Police said they are still looking for two men allegedly involved in the incident.
Police believe one of the missing men may have severe burns to his hands and feet.
Detective Inspector Chris Murray from the Arson and Explosives Squad said the incident was extremely dangerous.
“We have said repeatedly that deliberately lighting fires comes with immense risk, not only to the broader community but also to the offenders involved,” he said.
A crime scene has been established and police are investigating the circumstances of the fire. (ABC News: Georgia Lenton-Williams)
“We have also seen incidents where offenders have died as a result of sustaining burns and this remains a very real possibility to happen again with this incident.
“Fire is uncontrollable and unpredictable and we can only be thankful it’s not an innocent member of the public who has been injured.”
The ute used in the incident was later found on the Western Highway at Hopetoun Park, around 50 kilometres north-west of Melbourne.
Police said the circumstances were still under investigation but that it appeared to have been a targeted attack.
Police said the fire was being treated as suspicious. (ABC News: Georgia Lenton-Williams)
“If there is anyone out there who witnessed the fire or has any information at all about who is responsible, then I urge those people to come forward and tell us before this happens again with potentially fatal consequences,” Detective Inspector Murray said.
Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) said its crews were on the scene within four minutes and brought the fire under control around 3:12am.
“The incident was deemed suspicious and handed to Victoria Police for investigation,” an FRV spokesperson said.