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SYDNEY - A 13-year-old youth will face court in Sydney today charged with attempted murder after allegedly dousing a boy with petrol and setting him alight.
Witnesses made frantic attempts to put out the flames that enveloped the nine-year-old boy about 5pm (7pm NZ time) yesterday at Daceyville, in Sydney's inner south, police said.
The boy suffered serious burns to his back and was admitted to Sydney Children's Hospital where his condition is reported to be stable.
Another teenager, aged 15, who went to the boy's aid suffered burns to his hands.
Police charged the 13-year-old with attempted murder and maliciously inflict grievous bodily harm.
He spent last night in custody and will appear at Bidura Children's Court today.
- AAP
