Residents were left shaken after a horrifying incident unfolded at a housing commission complex on Lidgett Street in Bacchus Marsh, located north-west of Melbourne. Around 9 p.m. yesterday, the normally quiet neighborhood was pierced by blood-curdling screams.

Chilling security footage, deemed too graphic for public release, allegedly shows a man with a jerry can dousing a 57-year-old man with petrol before igniting the fuel.

“A neighbor of mine was in immense pain, his hands severely burned,” one witness recounted to 9News, describing the harrowing scene.

Another neighbor added, “He was on fire, rolling on the ground, and we immediately called for an ambulance.”

The victim was subsequently airlifted to a hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

Throughout the night, arson detectives meticulously examined the scene, piecing together evidence to understand the events leading to this tragic act.

Police believe the pair are known to each other.

No arrests have been made at this stage.

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