Doncaster: Man is forced to strip to his underwear after setting his pants on fire during bungled fast food arson
Incredible footage has captured the moment a bumbling arsonist accidentally set himself on fire while allegedly trying to set fire to a fast food restaurant.
Emergency services rushed to a high street in Doncaster East, 20km east of Melbourne’s CBD, at 2.40am on December 25 after reports of a fire.
Police said two people drove to the shops on Doncaster Road in a white Toyota Tarago before approaching the outlet with a jerry can.
Victoria Police released CCTV footage on Thursday as part of a public appeal to identify the two disguised perpetrators responsible for the targeted arson.
One offender stood guard while the other poured flammable liquid over the storefront before lighting the liquid on fire, causing a ball of flames to erupt.
Seconds later, the perpetrator jumped back as his pants burst into flames. His alleged accomplice quickly grabbed the jerry can as he ran down the street with his pants on fire.
The pair stopped a short distance from the store and tried to take off the pants
Unsuccessfully, the man on fire is seen running down the street with their flaming pants trailing behind them, seemingly taped to their left ankle.
The two perpetrators (pictured) reportedly tried to set fire to a fast food restaurant before one of the men set his pants on fire and was forced to run away
Victoria Police have shared images of two people they believe can help with their investigation
“The Tarago, believed to be driven by a third offender, was last seen traveling eastbound on Doncaster Road,” police said in a statement.
“Investigators have released CCTV footage and images of two people they believe can assist with their investigation.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has images or information, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.