A teenager is in a serious condition in hospital after three cars were engulfed by fire in Taylors Hill, Melbourne’s north-west, early on Monday morning. Emergency services were called to Woolwich Way shortly after 5am after reports that a person and multiple vehicles were on fire.

Firefighters and paramedics arrived at the scene and found three vehicles alight. Two of the cars had been parked in the driveway of a residential property, while a third vehicle was located nearby. A teenage boy was found with significant injuries to his upper and lower body and was taken to the Royal Children’s Hospital in a serious condition.

Police said their initial investigation indicated that two vehicles parked at the property had allegedly been firebombed. The teenager was reportedly attempting to leave the area in the third vehicle when it crashed into bushes. Police said two other people fled from the scene following the crash.

The third vehicle was allegedly stolen from Hoppers Crossing on Sunday, adding another element to the investigation. Police are examining how the stolen vehicle came to be involved in the incident and are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the fire.

Residents in the area described hearing loud explosions during the early-morning incident. One neighbour said they woke after hearing several blasts and then saw someone leave the vehicle calling for help. Another resident attempted to assist the injured teenager by using water from a garden tap until emergency services arrived.

The incident has prompted a strong response from Victoria Police, with the Arson and Explosives Squad remaining at the scene while investigators examined the damaged vehicles and surrounding area. Police said they were investigating the possibility that the incident was a targeted attack.

Detective Inspector Chris Murray warned about the serious dangers associated with young people becoming involved in organised criminal activity. He said teenagers can be used by criminal groups to carry out dangerous attacks because offenders may believe younger people will attract less attention or face fewer consequences.

The Victorian government also condemned the incident, with Premier Ben Carroll describing the event as a senseless act that could have life-changing consequences for the injured teenager. Authorities have stressed that arson and firebombing attacks can cause serious injuries, deaths and significant property damage.

Police are continuing to investigate who was responsible for the alleged attack and why the vehicles were targeted. Investigators are also seeking information from witnesses and anyone who may have relevant CCTV or other footage.

The incident comes amid ongoing concern in Victoria about arson, vehicle crime and the involvement of young people in organised criminal activity. Police are urging anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact Crime Stoppers.

Separately, firefighters were also dealing with another major fire in Airport West, where a car workshop and numerous vehicles were destroyed after a blaze early Monday morning. Police are treating that fire as suspicious, although authorities have not established whether the two incidents are connected.