Police hunt for semi-naked offender after burned underwear found at scene

A man is suspected of setting himself alight outside a fast food venue on Christmas morning after singed underwear and clothing were found at the scene.

The hunt is on for a man police believe could be “the only Victorian who may actually want Santa to bring underpants on Christmas Day” after a suspicious fire in Melbourne’s east.

Emergency services were called to a fire out the front of a fast food business on Doncaster Rd in Doncaster East at about 3am on Christmas morning.

Burned underwear, pants and shoes were found at the scene. Picture: Newswire / Gaye Gerard

Investigators believe a small fire was deliberately lit, causing the sprinklers at the business to activate.

Police found a pair of burnt underpants and other clothing items at the scene, but the semi-naked offender was nowhere to be found.

“It appears that the culprit may have set themselves alight, given that singed shoes, pants and jocks were located at the scene,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.

“Police are on the hunt for the only Victorian who may actually want Santa to bring underpants on Christmas Day.”

A small burn mark was left on the footpath after the fire was extinguished.

The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with information has been urged to come forward.

Originally published as Police hunt for semi-naked offender after burned underwear found at scene