A 17-year-old youth is in hospital after he suffered burns in an incident in Humpty Doo overnight.

Police patrolling the area detected a vehicle fire while on patrol on the corner of Redcliffe and Ballinger Roads in Humpty Doo around 10.30pm last night. While they were at the scene a nearby resident contacted police stating they had a male at their house they were treating for burns.

They found a Nissan Skyline had been gutted by fire and a 17-year-old male had suffered burns to his hands and body. The youth was taken to Royal Darwin Hospital where he is in a serious but stable condition.

Superintendent Michael Murphy said police were investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire.

"An explosion has occurred after gas (from a bottle) has ignited within the vehicle," Supt Murphy said.

" A number of enquiries are yet to be undertaken in relation to the length of time the vehicle has been at the location and if it was abandoned, the origin of the gas bottle and the ignition source. The vehicle has been seized and is currently in our compound for further examination.'

Superintendent Michael Murphy said police are appealing for witnesses to the incident to come forward.

"We believe there were three other youths in the vicinity at the time of the incident and we would like them to come forward. We would also like the owner of the vehicle to contact us to assist with our enquiries."

Anyone with information should phone police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.








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