19-Year-Old Man Set on Fire amid Alleged ‘Ongoing Feud’ with Another Family: ‘Will Take a Lifetime to Heal’ By Latoya Gayle

A teenager is recovering in the hospital after being allegedly attacked by a man who was joined by two women in Australia.

The 19-year-old, who has since been identified as Jacob Thompson, was approached by the trio while walking on Cowper Street in Coonabarabran, Australia, at around 6 p.m. local time on Oct. 13, said New South Wales (NSW) Police in a news release. He was allegedly set on fire after the man poured a liquid on him.

The teen was rushed to the hospital after passers-by extinguished the fire. He suffered third-degree burns to his body and had to be placed into a coma due to the severity of his injuries, local outlet News.com.au reported, citing a medical bills fundraiser. 

Police returned to the same street a short time later after reports of a “public order incident,” according to the NSW Police news release. Three people were arrested at a nearby property. News.com.au identified them as Aaron Valette, 19, Mavis Chatfield, 45, and an unnamed 17-year-old girl.

Having been taken to Coonabarabran Police Station, Valette was charged with causing grievous bodily harm to a person with intent and affray, which is fighting or the threat of unlawful violence which makes another person fear for their life, per the NSW Police news release. Chatfield was also charged with affray, while the teenage girl was released “pending further investigation.”

The duo charged were refused bail ahead of their appearance at Bail Division Court 4 on Oct. 14.

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A court heard that Valette approached Thompson with a plastic bottle filled with a clear liquid and allegedly told Thompson, “If you come any closer, I will burn you,” before the assault, according to The Daily Telegraph. Prosecutors allege the situation escalated amid an “ongoing feud” between two families in the community.

Valette was described as a “vulnerable Aboriginal man” by his Legal Aid lawyer in a bail application, claiming that he would not pose an unacceptable risk, per News.com.au. However, Magistrate Fiona McCarron refused the application.

He will remain in custody on remand until his next court appearance on Nov. 18.

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A GoFundMe page has been set up towards funding Thompson’s medical care, mental health services for his family and for them to relocate due to safety concerns. 

“Jacob was viciously attacked, doused in petrol, and set alight during a horrific, violent attack,” the fundraiser’s description reads. “Jacob sustained 3rd-degree burns to over 32% of his body, including his face, torso, both arms, back, and legs…”

The description continues, “This deeply traumatic incident was witnessed by his immediate family and partner, leaving physical and emotional scars that will take a lifetime to heal.

“Jacob now faces a long and painful journey of ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, recovery, and ultimately, the need to relocate to a safe environment for his treatment and the entire family’s health and well-being,” the fundraiser states. “…On behalf of Jacob and his family, thank you for your support, your compassion, and your kindness during this unimaginably difficult time.”

New South Wales Police did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for further comment on Monday, Oct. 27.