CCTV footage of a man setting fire to a Greenwich petrol station has been released by police in an appeal for information.

News Shopper:

In the footage captured on September 30, a man is seen approaching the BP garage petrol station in Trafalgar Road at approximately 6.30am, squirting petrol onto the floor, placing an item into the pump and setting it on fire.

It is believed the man, who was then seen running across the road into Greenwich Park Street, may have inserted a piece of cloth and paper into the pump.

A brave member of the public is then seen using a fire extinguisher to quickly put out the fire.

Greenwich CID officer Detective Constable Karl Buckwell said: “This was an incredibly dangerous and reckless thing to do - there were cars and people filling up in the petrol station. The petrol station is surrounded by flats and is located on a very busy road.

News Shopper:

"We believe that the person seen setting the fire in the footage would have been caught in it and may have burnt his eyebrows as well as his hair. Anyone who knows his identity should get in touch with police as soon as possible."

Anyone with information should call DC Buckwell, Greenwich CID on 0208 284 9416 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.