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.