A young Tasmanian man has been charged after allegedly setting fire to a homeless man sleeping outside the State Library of New South Wales in Sydney.
New South Wales Police say the 18-year-old attacked the victim late on Wednesday night.
“The victim, a vulnerable member of the homeless community, was set alight while sleeping in his sleeping bag on the library steps,” police said.
The man is in hospital being treated for his injuries.
Sydney City Detectives arrested the accused in Woolloomooloo less than 18 hours after the “disturbing” September 10 incident.
He was refused bail and will appear in court on serious charges.
Acting Superintendent Detective Inspector David El-Badawi praised the “swift and professional actions” of the detectives.
“[Their] dedication and teamwork led to the rapid identification and arrest of the alleged offender,” he said.
