- Young Aussie set alight in suspected attack
- He is now in hospital in a critical condition
- DO YOU KNOW MORE? Email tita.smith@dailymail.com.au
The family of a teenager who was allegedly doused in petrol and set alight after a feud has said the young man will have to move away to recover from his injuries.
Jacob Thompson, 19, is fighting for life in hospital after sustaining burns to nearly a third of his body in an alleged attack in rural New South Wales.
The teenager suffered catastrophic third-degree burns to his face, torso, arms, back and legs after an incident on Cowper Street in Coonabarabran on October 13.
It is alleged a group set upon Mr Thompson after a feud between two families, The Daily Telegraph reports.
Passers-by extinguished the fire and the man before he was taken to hospital for treatment, NSW Police said.
Officers allege Aaron Valette, 19, warned Mr Thompson: ‘If you come any closer, I’ll burn you.’
It was claimed Valette held a plastic bottle containing a clear liquid during the incident which was allegedly poured over Mr Thompson before the teenager was set alight.
Police have charged Valette with causing grievous bodily harm to a person with intent, as well as affray.
A young Aussie has allegedly been doused in petrol and set alight
The alleged attack was witnessed by Mr Thompson’s partner and family.
‘Due to the severity of his injuries and the damage to his airways, Jacob was flown to Sydney and placed into an induced coma on life support,’ the family said in a statement.
‘This deeply traumatic incident was witnessed by his immediate family and partner, leaving physical and emotional scars that will take a lifetime to heal.
‘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.’
A crime scene has since been established at the scene and a 45-year-old woman, a 19-year-old man, and a 17-year-old girl were arrested at a nearby property.
They were 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 to appear before Bail Division Court on Friday.
The teenage girl was released pending further investigation.
A 45-year-old woman, a 19-year-old man, and a 17-year-old girl were arrested at a nearby property (pictured, Cowper Street)
A GoFundMe fundraising page launched for Mr Thompson by his family is hoping to pay for his medical costs going forward.
Any funds raised will go towards ongoing medical care and treatment, rehabilitation and recovery support.
‘The family would be grateful if you could support by donating, no matter how big or small,’ the family said.
‘Every cent will make a difference towards helping Jacob and his family rebuild their lives after such a senseless act of violence.’
