Sydney crime: Canterbury woman suffers burns after fireworks planted on her doorstep
Police are trying to find a group of people who fled in two cars after a woman suffered burns to her face and body in a botched, targeted fireworks attack on the doorstep of her southwest Sydney home.
The Express
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A woman has suffered burns to her face and body after fireworks were planted on her front doorstep in Sydney’s southwest in what is believed to be a botched, targeted attack.
The 55-year-old woman was inside her home on Robert Street, Canterbury, when she heard a series of loud bangs erupting from her front lawn.
It was around 11.30pm when she opened her front door to investigate and an aerosol can and fireworks exploded in her face in a fiery ball of sparks.
The woman suffered burns to her face, chest, hands and legs in the explosion – which is believed to be a bungled, targeted attack intended to injure someone else in the household.
She was treated at the scene by paramedics before being rushed to Concord Hospital for further treatment, where she is now in a stable condition with superficial burns.
“The device was primitive, consisted of some aerosol cans and some other incendiary devices,” Ashfield Police Crime Manager Ian Pryde said.
He added that three aerosol cans were filled with items including sparklers and lighters.
Police are now investigating a group that was spotted in the vicinity of the crime scene last night.
“Police have identified a number of persons, believed to be of South East Asia appearances leaving a nearby street in two vehicles. We have not yet identified those vehicles,” he said.
“Police are interviewing a number of people at this time. Both neighbours to the crime scene and some other persons who may be able to assist.”
A neighbour at the scene, who caught the third explosion on their street camera, said they found the woman yelling.
“I heard three bangs. The first was like a wardrobe falling over and the second was like a car reversing. So I went out when I heard the third explosion,” the neighbour said.
“The woman just started yelling. All the hair around her face was singed and we hosed her down. Her face was OK but the palm of her hand was pretty burnt.
“Everyone was trying to help as best as they could. A lot of people in the street turned up.”
Robert Street resident Harley Kelly said he was among the first people on the street to see the victim.
“I heard the explosion but I thought it was my cat knocking on my door,” Mr Kelly said.
“Then I heard screaming and then I went out to help her. I was the first one to help her. The box had aerosol cans, sparklers, Fire starters and a box of fun packs.
“I don’t know why someone would do that to such a lovely lady. On her hands she got pretty badly burnt.”
Another neighbour said her street camera saw five young boys coming and leaving.
“There were five young boys. There’s three boys together and they wait for the other two. Then they huddle up and meet,” the neighbour said.
“They just looked like teenagers, under 18. I said to the police, this is not random, they knew exactly what they were doing.
“I saw the woman in pain, it was horrible. I spoke to her young son today to see if he’s OK. He said he’s unaware, he doesn’t have any enemies.”
Anyone with information is urged to come forward or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.