Baldavis home
Share and Follow

CCTV has captured the disturbing moment a man appears to be set alight at the front door of his house, just south of Perth.

Police say the incident – which has left the man, in his 40s, fighting for life after suffering critical burns to his body and face – was a targeted attack.

Footage from the December 30 incident in Baldivis shows two men confronting the man at his entrance.

Baldavis home
CCTV has captured the disturbing moment a man is allegedly set alight at his front door, leaving him fighting for life. (9News)

One of the two men is seen carrying a flammable liquid and a blowtorch, while the other holds two axes.

After a conversation at about 1.30pm the man appears to be doused in accelerant and set alight.

A fireball engulfs the man, who tears off his shirt and runs.

WA Police release an image of wanted 50-year-old man David John Stitson
WA Police have released an image of wanted 50-year-old man David John Stitson (9News)

The two men are seen spending more time on the porch, kicking at the man’s discarded flaming T-shirt before going inside the property, then leaving.

“Extremely confronting and extremely concerning,” WA Police’s Anthony Thompson said.

“This is why we are taking it at the highest level.”

A 24-year-old man has already been charged over the alleged attack but police have released an image of wanted man David John Stitson.

The 50-year-old has associations with outlaw motorcycle gangs, with police warning the community not to approach him.

“We have concerns for the community if they approach him,” Thompson said.

“If anyone knows where he is, contact the police.”

Almost two weeks on from the alleged attack, the victim remains in hospital where he faces a gruelling recovery.

“He is expected to endure extensive amounts of surgeries – up to 15 surgeries – and he will be in hospital for a number of months,” Thompson said.

Police say the attackers and victim are known to each other.

Authorities have carried out a number of search warrants in their hunt for Stitson, who is known to frequent the Baldivis, Rockingham and Port Kennedy areas.

“If you are thinking about joining a gang or think this lifestyle appeals to you, watch the footage and think again,” Thompson said.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
A knife attack outside Suriname's capital of Paramaribo killed at least nine people, including five children, police said on Sunday. The attack took place in Richelieu in the Commewijne district about 25 kilometres east of Paramaribo.

Tragic Knife Attack Leaves Nine Dead Near Suriname’s Capital, Authorities Report

Tragedy struck near Suriname’s capital, Paramaribo, where a knife attack claimed the…
Prime Minister rejects royal commission plea from Bondi shooting victims' families

Prime Minister Denies Bondi Shooting Victims’ Families’ Request for Royal Commission

In a poignant letter, 11 out of the 15 families affected by…

Trump and Zelenskyy Near Peace Agreement Amidst Lingering Challenges

United States President Donald Trump has said he and Ukrainian President Volodymyr…
The Australian hero who bravely disarmed one of the Bondi Beach gunmen and got shot in the process has spoken out for the first time since being released from hospital.

Bondi Hero Reflects on Courageous Encounter with Armed Assailant

An Australian hero who courageously disarmed one of the gunmen at Bondi…
More than 100 people infected with Legionnaires' Disease in New York City

Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak Escalates in Sydney CBD

A fourth case of potentially deadly Legionnaires’ disease has been reported in…
Beach matting allows people who use wheelchairs to reach the water's edge.

Discover Why This Melbourne Beach is Touted as Australia’s Top Coastal Gem

A quick dip to cool off on a scorching summer’s day, or…
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), front row second from left, poses with other military officers after promoting to generals, back row, from left, Yang Zhibin of the Eastern Theater Command and Han Shengyan commander of Central Theater Command in Beijing on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. (Li Gang/Xinhua via AP)

Chinese Military Conducts Strategic Drills Near Taiwan to Deter External Intervention

China’s military launched joint drills involving air, navy, and rocket units around…
Aussie cricket great calls for one of the game's oldest traditions to be SCRAPPED after Boxing Day Test disaster

Aussie Cricket Legend Urges End to Historic Tradition After Boxing Day Test Debacle

Ex-Australian cricketer and coach Darren Lehmann has suggested eliminating the traditional coin…