Arsonist sets his arm on fire during attack on van

Greater Manchester Police has released CCTV of a man setting himself alight during an arson attack on a van in Rochdale, in the early hours of this morning.

He is seen desperately trying to put out the fire on his arm as he runs off along Ashworth Street in Falinge.

The fire from the vehicle spread to a nearby home, causing damage to the front door and windows, but the occupants - who had no connection to the vehicle - were not harmed.

Det Const Russ Clarke, 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", he added.