Bikie charged over Melton blaze that set man alight

Bandidos motorcycle gang member charged over Melton blaze that left man fighting for lifePosted Sat 12 Sep 2026 at 10:04amSat 12 Sep 2026 at 10:04amA 32-year-old man has been charged over a fire in Melton that left a man badly hurt.An outlaw motorcycle gang member has been charged as part of an investigation into several suspicious fires, including a blaze in Melbourne's west that left a man with life-threatening injuries this month.The 32-year-old Delacombe man, a member of the Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang, was arrested yesterday, along with a 42-year-old Melton man, after a suspicious fire at a shop in Taylors Lakes early yesterday morning.Emergency services responded to reports the business, on Melton Highway, had been set alight about 4:25am. No-one was inside.Police chased the men through suburbs in Melbourne's west, with the pair eventually dumping their vehicle in Brookfield. They fled on foot and were arrested soon after.The 42-year-old was interviewed and released pending summons.Police allege the 32-year-old was also involved in a bungled firebombing at a tobacco shop in Melton on September 3.CCTV from the scene shows a ute reversing into the building, before two men get out with what appear to be jerry cans of fuel.A few moments later, a ball of flame engulfs both men.A 23-year-old man with significant burns was found nearby and flown to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition with significant injuries.Detective Inspector Chris Murray, of the Arson and Explosives Squad, said the arrests and charges were a result of additional patrols in Melbourne's west."Since this (Melton) fire occurred, police have worked tirelessly to identify those involved at every level so we can ultimately put them before the court," he said."This fire didn't just damage the property — it has also had an enormous impact on one of the people involved, who remains in hospital and will never be the same again."Should the individual who suffered significant burns succumb to his injuries, we intend to hold those who planned and assisted with the arson personally responsible."Police have charged the 32-year-old man with offences relating to the Melton fire, including recklessly causing serious injury, aggravated burglary, criminal damage by fire and reckless conduct endangering life.Detectives will investigate whether the Melton and Taylors Lakes fires were connected to other similar incidents.Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers via 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.