Melbourne teenager ‘shot himself’ with homemade gun

Police are investigating reports a 16-year-old boy was playing with a homemade gun when it discharged inside a home on Sunday.

A teenager is fighting for life after a firearm mishap at a Melbourne home.

Police are investigating reports a 16-year-old boy was playing with a homemade gun when it discharged inside the home in Seaford in the city’s south east, about 4.30pm on Sunday.

It is believed the boy was at a friend’s home when the incident occurred.

He was taken to the Alfred Hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.

The injured teenager is a known criminal and was involved in an attack on a boy in Glen Huntly in September 2023, 7NEWS reports.

Ben Phikihpoom, the victim, was walking home from school when he was mugged by a group of teens two years ago.

Ben Phikihpoom, the victim, was walking home from school when he was mugged by a group of teens two years ago. Picture: Nine

Ben, who was 15-years-old at the time, was dragged into a stolen car in an attempted kidnapping, before he was thrown from the vehicle.

He suffered serious, lifelong injuries, but has now returned to school. There’s no suggestion he has any connection to Sunday’s shooting.

Regarding Sunday’s incident, police will look into who owned the weapon and if it was registered.

Ben, who was 15-years-old at the time, was dragged into a stolen car in an attempted kidnapping, before he was thrown from the vehicle. Picture: Seven

Police are not looking for anyone else in relation to the believed accidental shooting.

A Victoria Police statement said: “At this early stage detectives are not actively looking for anyone else in relation to the matter and the investigation is ongoing.”