Updated October 8, 2026 — 4:12pm,first published October 8, 2026 — 9:49am
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Two teenagers have been charged after a firebombing left a 13-year-old fighting for life in one of Melbourne’s worst weeks for arson attacks.
Three boys – two 16-year-olds and a 15-year-old – were arrested on Thursday morning after two cars on Woolwich Way in Taylors Hill were torched on Monday.
CCTV from a neighbouring property showed a person fully engulfed in flames running from the scene, before jumping into a car that later crashed.
In a statement on Thursday, police said the boy suffered burns to more than 90 per cent of his body and was in a critical condition in hospital.
“As a result of this incident, we have a young boy whose life is currently hanging in the balance,” said Detective Inspector Chris Murray, head of the arson squad.
“We intend to hold all those who were with him responsible for his critical injuries but importantly, we are committed to identifying those who tasked this arson.”
Two cars were destroyed by fire in Reservoir overnight.Justin McManus
Two 16-year-olds were charged on Thursday afternoon with conduct endangering life, recklessly cause serious injury in circumstances of gross violence, arson, and theft of motor vehicle.
They will appear in court later on Thursday.
The 15-year-old was released and is expected to be charged on summons.
The arrests come after 13 vehicles were torched just this week across Melbourne.
Six cars were torched outside four homes across Melbourne’s north and east early on Thursday in the fourth consecutive night of arson attacks.
Around 1.55am, emergency services were called to the first home on Pallant Avenue in Reservoir after reports two cars had been set alight.
Within 20 minutes, they received reports about a second nearby car fire on Boldrewood Parade in Reservoir.
Police said there were no injuries, but two cars at the property were completely destroyed. “At this stage, investigators believe the fires are linked,” the force said in a statement.
Another fire in Reservoir destroyed two more cars. Justin McManus
About 3.45am, crews in Melbourne’s south-east were called to a home on Burrapike Avenue in Springvale for a fifth car fire.
Eight people were inside the home at the time, but were uninjured. Police said the car parked outside the home was destroyed, and the home sustained minor damage.
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One of the residents of the Springvale home told ABC radio Melbourne they woke to the sounds of popping and loud banging. A neighbour said he was woken by the commotion and heard the family running out of their home.
“I could see the fire rising,” he told the ABC. “I’m a bit scared because the fire could catch the next door properties.”
Just over an hour later, emergency services were called to a fourth fire on Kuranda Crescent in Oakleigh East.
Police said a car in the home’s driveway had also been destroyed. Four people inside escaped without injury.
In response to the latest arson attacks on Thursday, Premier Ben Carroll said the Victorian government was coming for those orchestrating the crimes.
“Both these adult imbeciles using these young kids to do their dirty work is completely unacceptable, and a very clear message to the young kids that are involved in this: We now have adult time for violent crime,” Carroll said.
Premier Ben Carroll.Justin McManus
“The adults that are behind the scenes orchestrating this, we’re coming after you as well. I’ve called the chief commissioner, and I will do everything I can to give him every resource he needs to get on top of this.”
Troy Papworth, acting commander for Victoria Police’s north-west metropolitan region, said organised crime syndicates were behind most arson attacks.
However, he could not say if there was a particular motive for spate across Melbourne in the last four days.
“What I can say generally is we are seeing arson being used as a means to intimidate and affect people generally within organised crime … across Victoria.”
Troy Papworth, photographed in 2025.Justin McManus
Anyone who witnessed either of the incidents, has dashcam or CCTV footage or anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
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Lachlan Abbott is a crime reporter at The Age. He was previously a city reporter and covered breaking news.Connect via email.From our partners