Shocking CCTV footage has emerged showing the moment three masked individuals stormed into a local convenience store, dousing it with petrol before igniting a fire. The trio, captured on camera charging towards the shop in Manchester in hoodies and face masks near Ancoats on the evening of Sunday (August 25), saw one of the culprits pouring fuel across the floor. A customer inside the shop managed to escape just moments before the shop burst into flames.
In the ensuing chaos, captured in just eleven seconds, the perpetrators were seen fleeing the scene, with one seemingly caught in the blaze himself. The alarming incident, reported approximately at 5.40pm, also shows one of the group discarding the flaming petrol can onto the pavement, causing parts of the sidewalk to catch fire, as seen in the distressing video circulated on Instagram.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that the fire was rapidly put out and thankfully, no injuries were sustained, with everyone inside the shop being safely evacuated. Authorities have initiated an inquiry into the arson and are actively searching for the three masked individuals involved, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police stated, “Detectives from North Manchester CID are investigating the incident and although no arrests have been made so far, enquiries are ongoing into locating the three men.” Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service added details, stating, “Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used a hose reel to extinguish the fire and were in attendance for around two hours.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the police quoting the log number 2238 of 25/08/24. Investigations are ongoing into the disturbing incident at the business on Butler Street in Manchester.