Teen fighting for life after being ‘doused in petrol’ and set on fire in horror attack | World | News

A teenager suffered burns to 32% of his body after allegedly being set on fire while he was walking down the street. Jacob Thompson, 19, was reportedly approached by a man, a woman and a girl before one of the group poured liquid over him and set him alight.

The teenager was airlifted to hospital for treatment on severe third-degree burns to his face, torso, arms, back, and legs. His family said he was placed into an induced coma on life support and they are now at his bedside. A GoFundMe page has been launched to help Jacob as he recovers from his injuries.

As reported by the Irish Mirror, the teenager was walking down Cowper Street in Coonabarabran, New South Wales, Australia, when he was allegedly attacked at around 6pm local time on Monday, October 13. Good Samaritans put out the flames before he was rushed to hospital in Sydney.

He remains at Concord Hospital in intensive care with his family at his side. Local police have confirmed that a man, 19, a woman, 45, and a girl, 17, were arrested at a property near the scene of the reported attack.

The force said: “They were all taken to Coonabarabran Police Station where the man was charged with cause grievous bodily harm to person with intent, and affray; the older woman was also charged with affray. They were refused bail.”

They added: “The teenage girl was released pending further investigation.” Meanwhile, Jacob’s family have launched a GoFundMe page, which has raised around $8,000 (£4,000) so far, to help their relocation and the teenager’s recovery. 

A message on the page states: “Jacob now faces a long and painful journey of ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, recovery, and ultimately, the need to relocate to a safe environment for his treatment and the entire family’s health and wellbeing

“The family would be grateful if you could support by donating, no matter how big or small, every cent will make a difference towards helping Jacob and his family rebuild their lives.”