CCTV has captured the disturbing moment a man appears to be set alight at the front door of his house, just south of Perth.
Police say the incident – which has left the man, in his 40s, fighting for life after suffering critical burns to his body and face – was a targeted attack.
Footage from the December 30 incident in Baldivis shows two men confronting the man at his entrance.
One of the two men is seen carrying a flammable liquid and a blowtorch, while the other holds two axes.
After a conversation at about 1.30pm the man appears to be doused in accelerant and set alight.
WA Police have released an image of wanted 50-year-old man David John Stitson.Credit: Nine News
A fireball engulfs the man, who tears off his shirt and runs.
The two men are seen spending more time on the porch, kicking at the man’s discarded flaming T-shirt before going inside the property, then leaving.
“Extremely confronting and extremely concerning,” WA Police’s Anthony Thompson said.
“This is why we are taking it at the highest level.”
A 24-year-old man has already been charged over the alleged attack but police have released an image of wanted man David John Stitson.
The 50-year-old has associations with outlaw motorcycle gangs, with police warning the community not to approach him.
“We have concerns for the community if they approach him,” Thompson said.
“If anyone knows where he is, contact the police.”
Almost two weeks on from the alleged attack, the victim remains in hospital where he faces a gruelling recovery.
“He is expected to endure extensive amounts of surgeries – up to 15 surgeries – and he will be in hospital for a number of months,” Thompson said.
Police say the attackers and victim are known to each other.
Authorities have carried out a number of search warrants in their hunt for Stitson, who is known to frequent the Baldivis, Rockingham and Port Kennedy areas.
“If you are thinking about joining a gang or think this lifestyle appeals to you, watch the footage and think again,” Thompson said.
Person found dead after Balcatta house fire
Meanwhile, person has been found dead in a home in Balcatta, in Perth’s north-west, which caught on fire on Saturday afternoon.
Authorities have found a person has died in a Balcatta fire.Credit: Nine News
Six fire crews attended the state government-owned property on Sylvia Street following a triple-zero call just after 4pm.
The fire was quickly extinguished but two rooms inside were destroyed. The deceased person has not been formally identified.
“About 4:30pm, Saturday, 11 January 2025, emergency services received reports of a house fire on Sylvia Street in Balcatta,” WA Police said in a statement.
“Department of Fire and Emergency Services attended and extinguished the blaze.
“One person was located deceased inside the residence.
“The circumstances surrounding the cause of the fire appears to be non-suspicious at this stage.
Investigators will conduct an examination of the fire scene and prepare a report will be prepared for the Coroner.
Nine News Perth