The suspect wanted for lighting a man on fire in a Surrey assault on Friday is still at large, Surrey RCMP report.

Surrey RCMP confirmed Saturday that a reported "serious assault" that took place at a business in the 10200 block of City Parkway in Whalley involved a suspect who "allegedly assaulted the victim by throwing an accelerant on his body and proceeded to light him on fire."

The victim suffered serious burns and was taken to hospital, where he is recovering, police said.

Police had previously not confirmed that the assault in question involved a person being set on fire, but a witness on the scene had reported details to a Black Press freelancer at the scene.

Witness Jessica Vesper said she was inside the business when the victim ran from the back of the store.

鈥淗is entire body was doused in fire,鈥� Vesper said.

The suspect then stole a vehicle and fled the scene. The stolen vehicle, a white Mini Cooper, has since been recovered, Surrey RCMP reported on Saturday morning (Aug. 3).

The suspect, however, remains at large. He is described as 25 to 30 years old, with a moustache. He was last seen wearing black pants, a black hoodie and a green baseball cap with "Cariboo" written on it. 

鈥淲e thank the public for their assistance in recovering the stolen vehicle and ask that you continue to be on the look out for the suspect who is still at large," said Insp. Inspector Ian MacLellan, officer in charge of the Surrey RCMP Major Crime Section, in a press release. 鈥淥ur priority is to locate the suspect and take him into custody as soon as possible. We will continue to update you on our progress.鈥�

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of the suspect or with any information regarding the incident is asked to contact Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 and quote file 2024-113412

If you see the suspect, police issue a warning to not approach him but to call 911.