Police believe man saved from burning home may have been assaulted

Police believe a man pulled from his burning home on the Bellarine Peninsula overnight may have been assaulted before the fire.

The elderly man is fighting for his life in The Alfred hospital.

Emergency crews were initially called to his Clifton Springs home around 11.30pm on Thursday, pulling him from the burning home.

The man – believed to be aged in his 70s – has serious upper body injuries, as well as burns to his back and legs.

Police are investigating whether he was assaulted prior to the fire.

A 45-year-old man was arrested nearby and is said to be assisting police with their enquiries.