13-YEAR-OLD BOY FIGHTING FOR HIS LIFE AFTER ALLEGED FIREBOMBING ORDERED THROUGH WHATSAPP

A shocking Melbourne arson attack has exposed how teenagers are allegedly being drawn into organized crime — and one 13-year-old boy is now fighting for his life.

Police say the boy was part of a group allegedly sent to target a home on Woolwich Way in Taylors Hill early Monday morning.

Two vehicles were set on fire, but the operation quickly went horribly wrong.

The teenager was engulfed in flames and suffered severe burns to his upper and lower body. He remains in critical condition in the hospital.

According to ABC News, the group allegedly received instructions from middlemen communicating through aliases on WhatsApp.

After the fires were allegedly started, the three young people attempted to escape in a reportedly stolen vehicle. The car crashed moments later.

Two of them allegedly fled — leaving the badly burned 13-year-old behind.

Police are now examining phone data as a key part of the investigation, as a series of suspected arson attacks has been reported across Melbourne in recent days.

Authorities have warned that organized crime groups may deliberately use teenagers because they believe young offenders will attract less attention.

For the boy’s friends, however, the story is far more personal. They described him as funny, caring and loyal — and said they are praying he survives.

Police say the incident is a devastating reminder of the potentially life-changing consequences when young people become involved in organized crime.

The allegations remain under investigation, and no charges have been confirmed against the 13-year-old in relation to this incident.

Taylors Hill, Melbourne, Australia

Source: ABC News Australia