Balaclava-clad man 'sets himself on fire' during alleged robbery
Share this @internewscast.com

Authorities are currently on the hunt for two men following a dramatic incident in which a man set himself ablaze during what police believe was a store robbery in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales.

Surveillance footage captured the suspects entering a Thornton business in the early hours of last Tuesday, February 10. The men, dressed in dark attire and wearing balaclavas, were caught on camera as they made their way through the parking lot.

The video reveals a sudden explosion of fire on the sidewalk, followed by the startling sight of a man engulfed in flames. Desperately trying to extinguish the blaze, the man runs away from the scene. Shortly thereafter, a light-colored sedan is observed departing the vicinity.

Emergency responders were alerted and quickly arrived at the New England Highway location at approximately 1:05 a.m.

IN OTHER NEWS: NRL premiership winner Matt Utai was recently involved in a ‘targeted’ drive-by shooting incident.

Emergency services were called to the business on the New England Highway at 1.05am.

Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters brought the fire under control and extinguished the blaze.

While the building did not sustain major structural damage, large amounts of stock was destroyed in the fire and a cash register was stolen.

READ MORE: One dead, two fighting for life after stabbing on Sydney street

Police have established a crime scene and are appealing for anyone with information about the two men to come forward.

Authorities believe one of the men may have sustained burns.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.

  • Download the 9NEWS App here via Apple and Google Play
  • Make 9News your preferred source on Google by ticking this box here
  • Sign up to our breaking newsletter here
Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Fatal Street Race Tragedy: 54-Year-Old Woman and 21-Year-Old Man Clash in Deadly Toyota-Dodge Duel

Background: News footage of the intersection in Grand Junction, Colo., where Gary…

Tragic Farewell: Woman Fatally Stabbed 20 Times by Boyfriend During Condominium Move-Out

Left inset: Kennedi Oriti (Affordable Cremation and Burial Service/Carrissa McCarthy). Right inset:…

Shockwaves in the Family: Stepfather Charged with Assault after 12-Year-Old’s Tragic Death

Background: News footage of the home in Enfield, Conn. where Eve Rogers…

Road Rage Shocker: Good Samaritan Attacked by Motorist After Highway Crash

Inset: Daniel Coman (Orange County Jail). Background: Coman allegedly punches a motorist…

Walmart Employee Tragically Killed in Unprovoked Store Attack

Insets, from left: Zeddrick Ross (Faulkner County Jail) and Jordanne Drinkwater (Jordanne…

Unveiling the Investigation: The Five-Year Journey to Ben Roberts-Smith’s Arrest

The arrest of a Victoria Cross recipient marks a significant development in…

Shocking Court Revelation: Mother Accused of Concealing Deadly Pills in Son’s Smoothie

A mother gave her adult son a lethal smoothie following disputes over…

Authorities Discover Bodies of Three Men in Bloodied Basement, Allegedly Placed by Suspected Killer: District Attorney Reports

Right inset: Lance Clowney II (Wayne County Sheriff’s Office). Left inset: Police…

Tragic Crime of Passion: Man Confesses to Murdering Ex-Partner Out of Frustration

Background: The Breathitt County Justice Center in Jackson, Ky. (Google Maps). Inset…

Shocking Incident: Man Accused of Dunking Girl Upside Down in Ocean Sparks Outrage

Share A disturbing incident unfolded at a North Carolina fishing pier when…

Tragedy Averted: Toddler’s Close Call with Wolf Enclosure Highlights Dangers of Distracted Parenting

News footage of the wolf enclosure at Hershey”s ZooAmerica park in Hershey,…

Florida Four-Wheeler Frenzy: Man Arrested After Wild Chase and Crash with Deputy’s Patrol Car

In Archer, Florida, a young man named Tyler Malik Bryant, aged 20,…