Man charged over Perth soup kitchen fire attack

A man has been charged with allegedly setting another man alight outside a church in Perth's inner-city earlier this month.

Police say the 68-year-old victim was attending a soup kitchen on June 12, at Saint Albans Anglican Church on Beaufort Street, Highgate, when he was approached by a masked Michael Jason Newton just after 5pm while he was outside unchaining his bike.

Police say the victim was dowsed in an accelerant and moments later, he was covered in flames.

Church minister, Marc Dale told 9News the alleged offender came down the side of the church, targeted the victim, then ran off.

"Most of the people who attend the soup kitchen were there still eating at the time - staff and volunteers were there - it was a pretty grim sight," Minister Dale said.

Shocked onlookers rushed to help the man, who has been a regular at the soup kitchen for 15 years, covering his wounds and moving him into a shower inside.

He was rushed to Fiona Stanley Hospital with severe burns to his face, upper body and hands.

Yesterday afternoon, detectives investigating the attack stormed a West Perth gym and arrested Mr Newton during his workout.

He was charged with intent to do grievous bodily harm and do grievous bodily harm to another.

Mr Newton appeared at Perth Magistrates' Court today where he was formally refused bail until his next court appearance.