Geoffrey Gregory: Attempted murder accused remanded after care home fire in Victoria

An alleged attempted murderer will remain behind bars after being accused of setting a regional care facility alight while four people were inside.

Geoffrey Gregory faced Wangaratta Magistrates Court in Victoria’s northeast on Thursday afternoon after being charged with attempted murder.

The 68-year-old sat in the dock sporting grey hair and a black T-shirt with an Australian flag printed on the front.

His lawyer made no application for bail and he was remanded to reappear in court via video link on December 10.

Police allege Gregory entered a Wangaratta facility with a jerry can before starting a fire about 11pm on Tuesday.

A staff member and three residents managed to flee the Dixon Street site.

An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said a man in his 60s was assessed and treated for upper body injuries by paramedics at the scene.

He was transported by ambulance to Wangaratta hospital in a serious condition, the spokesperson told AAP.

Police searched the area and arrested Gregory along Yarrawonga Road about 2.40am on Wednesday.

He was later charged with 24 offences, including four counts of attempted murder, conduct endangering serious injury and arson.