Dramatic CCTV footage has captured the moment a car thief almost set himself on fire while attempting to torch a stolen vehicle in Ilford. The incident occurred just before midnight on 23 May on Belgrave Road.
The footage shows the man parking a stolen blue Citroën on the pavement before walking out of sight. He returned half an hour later, broke the car's window, and poured petrol inside and onto the bonnet before igniting the liquid.
The resulting fireball caused two sizeable bursts of flame that appeared to engulf the would-be arsonist. He was seen fleeing the scene, leaving the car ablaze.
The Metropolitan Police have released the footage in an appeal for information. Anyone who recognises the man is urged to call 101 quoting reference 9458/23MAY19 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
