Police release CCTV image following attempt arson in Manchester

At around 6.40am on Tuesday 21 December 2021, police were called to reports of an attempt arson at a shop on Moorcroft Road, Manchester.

Enquiries have established that earlier that morning at around 5.30am, a teenager set fire to a stack of newspapers outside of the shop.

A passer-by stopped and put out the fire.

Luckily no-one was injured and no significant damage was caused.

No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.

PC Gary Riley-Owens, of GMP's City of Manchester division, said: "This is a shocking incident where an individual knowingly put innocent members of the public at risk.

"Behaviour such as this will absolutely not be tolerated and as part of our enquiries we have identified an individual we would like to speak to in connection with this incident.

"If you know this person or have any information that can help us to get in contact with them, please get in touch with police as soon as possible."

Anyone with information should contact police on  0161 856 4973, quoting log number 513 of 21/12/2021.

Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.