A homeless man in Guangxi province sustained severe burns on Oct. 6 after three minors splashed his body with petrol and then lit the man on fire.

Local police said that the injured man, surnamed Huang, is homeless and makes a living through begging. The three teenagers spotted Huang when passing a roundabout on motorcycle. They stopped in front of Huang and took out some petrol, splashing it all over Huang's body. They then lit a fire but later stamped it out after it began to grow.

The oldest among the three perpetrators is just 14 years old. Their families have already gotten involved in discussions of compensation. According to the existing law in China, minors over the age of 14 but under the age of 16 do not face harsh punishments unless they commit "serious" crimes such as murder. Minors under 14 cannot shoulder any criminal responsibility.

The reasons for the attack are still under investigation. Huang is currently in the hospital.