These moments show a fumbling firebug fanning the flames of failure – by accidentally setting HIMSELF alight during a bungled arson attack.
The hapless hoodie was forced to flee down the street with his left arm on fire after he unwittingly splashed himself with petrol as he torched a recovery truck.
CCTV images showed the man pouring the flammable liquid onto the grill of the vehicle before recoiling in shock and agony as the flames suddenly began leaping around his own coat.
He was last seen running down the street – with his clothes still on fire – desperately trying to put out the flames.
He eventually jumped into the passenger seat of a waiting light coloured Nissan Micra parked nearby and was driven off into the night.
Today police issued CCTV images of the 5am attack on Wednesday 5 February 2014, in Falinge, near Rochdale, Greater Manchester.
Officers are appealing for anyone to come forward or if they know of anyone who had gone to a local hospital with burns to his left hand and arm.
Detective Constable Russ Clarke of Greater Manchester Police said: “It is only by chance and the speedy response of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue service which prevented any loss of life during this attack.
“This offender acted with no thought for his own safety or that of any of the local residents.
“It is important that anybody with information regarding this incident or who witnessed the events unfold comes forward to speak to us.
“It is very likely that the offender has suffered burns to his left hand and arm. Are you aware of somebody who has recently had to attend hospital due to a similar injury or has someone you know recently started wearing a bandage or dressing to his left arm?
“Is someone you know in pain with an unexplained injury and having to take pain relief?
“If so it is vitally important you contact because if they strike again it is completely realistic to suspect someone could be seriously harmed or even killed.
“It is therefore crucial that this individual is caught and brought to justice for his actions. He has to be prevented from placing the lives of other residents and families in danger.
“We would also like to identify him in order to ensure that he has sought the appropriate medical treatment and while he may not have attended hospital through fear of being identified he could be suffering with injuries that require urgent medical treatment.
“I would also ask that anybody with information regarding the driver of the Nissan Micra motor vehicle contacts us.”
Police said the fire from the vehicle spread to a nearby family home, causing damage to the front door and windows of the property. The occupants – who had no connection to the vehicle – were not harmed in the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Russ Clarke or Detective Sergeant Martin Soutter on 0161 856 9961 or via Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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