Police today asked the public to report sightings of a man with singed clothing after a bungling arsonist tried to torch a Manchester nightclub - but instead ended up setting fire to himself.

CCTV footage shows the inept firebug arriving outside the Decibel nightclub in Wigan, Greater Manchester, on a motorbike, last Saturday at 4am. He attempts to douse the entrance with petrol but much of the fuel can clearly be seen splashing back onto his clothes.

He is then seen hurling a lit petrol bomb at the nightclub door, but in the process his own arm catches fire. He thrashes around for several minutes to extinguish the flames before jumping back onto his motorbike and speeding off.

Though the club's front door was damaged, the attack caused no other injuries.

Sergeant Dave Johnston, of Atherton police, said the fumbled arson attempt could have easily killed the perpetrator and others at the scene.

He said: “This was a reckless and dangerous act which could easily have claimed the life of the offender. However, he managed to extinguish the flames and slowly left the scene, probably in some pain.

“We want to know if anyone recognises the biker, or his motorbike. Also, does anyone remember someone coming home that night, possibly smelling of petrol or with singed clothing?”

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which occurred outside the nighclub on Wigan's Market Street.

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