Arsonist sets himself alight while torching Canberra barbershop

A bumbling arsonist has been caught on camera setting himself on fire as he torches a Canberra barbershop.

CCTV footage from July 6 shows the duo arriving on bicycles before one person smashes their way inside the Gold Blades Barbers in Gungahlin with a hammer and the arsonist crawls his way inside.

Armed with a jerry can, the arsonist gets to work, dousing the counter tops and floor of the hair salon with accelerant.

The man takes only a small step away from the fluid before he sets his rag alight, dropping it and the jerry can onto the spilled accelerant.

Instantly, the fire spreads throughout the store, as flames jump onto the arsonist.

CCTV shows him running outside in a panic before rolling on the ground to extinguish the flames, as his accomplice attempts to help.

The pair then flee the scene on pushbikes as the store burns.

The fire caused “significant” damage to the store, police said.

ACT Police Detective Inspector Matthew Sprague urged the offenders to hand themselves in “before we come knocking on your door”.

“He is lucky, this is an incredibly dangerous incident,” Sprague said on Monday.

“There was a 24-hour gym directly above the premise and it had people in it at the time, so it was incredibly dangerous.

“Had the fire really taken hold, we could have seen serious injuries or even death.”

Sprague said police believed the incident was targeted and have discussed a number of possible motives with the business owners.

Police wish to speak to anyone who can identify the offenders from the CCTV footage, or who may have information in relation to the incident.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online via www.crimestoppersact.com.au