Man attempts to set light to paper towels at petrol station

Dorset Police say they are investigating an attempted arson at a petrol station in Bournemouth

Author: Maria GreenwoodPublished 30th Jun 2023

Police are trying to trace a man who attempted to start a fire at a petrol station in Bournemouth.

At around 12.50am on Monday 12 June 2023 a man walked onto the forecourt of the petrol station at Tesco in Riverside Avenue and attempted to set fire to blue paper towels at one of the pumps.

The man is described as white, approximately 60 years old with white shoulder-length hair and was wearing glasses, a blue short-sleeved shirt and dark-coloured trousers.

Police Community Support Investigator Rachael Buller, of Dorset Police, said: “This incident could have had catastrophic consequences, but thankfully no fire was started.

“I am making efforts to identify the offender and would ask anyone who recognises him from the description given to please get in touch.”

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