A man suffered severe facial burns after being “set on fire” in a shocking arson attack in New York’s Times Square early Sunday morning.
According to the New York Post, Police responded to reports of a man engulfed in flames at W. 41st Street and Seventh Avenue around 3.57 am on March 16, where they found the 45-year-old victim.
Emergency medical services transported the victim to New York Presbyterian Cornell, where medical staff confirmed his condition as stable.
Videos circulating online from the scene captured the aftermath of the attack on the 45-year-old victim, showing him covered in burns as he was placed into an ambulance after the flames were extinguished.
The footage also showed several emergency personnel at the scene, while the victim, shirtless and wrapped in a blue blanket, stands on the sidewalk. The video further captured the police officers speaking with some woman believed to be associated with the victim.
Officials confirmed the man was set on fire but have not identified the assailant. The police have not determined if this was a targeted assault or a random act.
According to amNewYork, reports indicate that prior to the incident, an unknown person in blue clothing doused the victim with an inflammable substance before setting him alight, while the motive remains unknown.
The investigation continues with no arrests made so far.