Son arrested after dad ‘burned alive’ in grim scene that left firefighters ‘distressed’
Police arrested the son, who they described as “well known” after his father was found with dead having suffered severe burns outside a home in Sydney, Australia
Police are appealing for information (Image: Seven)
A man has been arrested after allegedly burning his father alive and leaving his body in a residential area, according to police.
The unnamed victim, described in local media as being in his 60s, was discovered outside a house in Sydney’s Glenmore Park, having suffered serious burns.
The alleged killer, 36, was taken to hospital following his arrest where he was treated to a series of minor injuries to his hands and feet. Firefighters were among those who responded to an emergency call made at around 12:50am on Thursday (16 July), with marshals tackling a blaze at the scene.
Firefighters responded to an emergency call (Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC)
A spokesperson for the local police told ABC news that the alleged assailant was “well known” to the authorities, although added that there was no particular history of violence between him and his father and that the pair did not live together.
Nepean Police Area Commander Superintendent Trent King said: “There is no history of domestic violence between the two parties.”
King added that the scene had been a difficult one for officers to witness, saying: “It was a really distressing scene for our first responders, and not a normal scene for anybody to be confronted with; particularly the extent of the injuries to our victim.
The man has been arrested and taken to hospital (Image: PA)
Pointing to the cause of the alleged killing, the spokesperson suggested that an “accelerant” may have been used to fuel the blaze.
He said: “There appears to have been an altercation between the two parties there, following a break and enter into the premises — the front door was forced.
“An accelerant appears to have been used. However there’s no further information at this stage around what actually occurred within the premises.”
Police are appealing for information (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
According to a police statement, the younger man was arrested while sitting inside a car. It is not clear whether he remains in hospital or in custody at a different location.
An investigation into the incident is underway, while Sydney authorities are appealing to anyone who may have information on the victim or the alleged assailant, as well as CCTV or dashcam footage of or related to the incident.
King said: “We have a significant amount of resources in the field, canvassing of the area to try and understand further information.”
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