A BARMAN who was left badly burnt after being hit by a petrol bomb thrown through the window of the pub he was working in has spoken out about his terrifying ordeal.

Dave Mardle, 19, was the only person injured when thugs hurled three Molotov cocktails into the Rose and Crown in Hoe Street, Walthamstow, at 11.30pm on Saturday, October 13.

He said: "I was working behind the bar at the time cleaning glasses, although my recollection of events isn't very strong.

"All I really remember is hearing one of the windows smashing and as I ran for cover this object smacked me on the arm and burst into flames.

"I was lying in shock, but someone put me out with a fire extinguisher. All of sudden I jumped back up and grabbed one of the other extinguishers to help put out the blaze.

"I don't really think it was a case of bravery, it was just the adrenaline of what was happening around me kicking in."

Staff at the pub were praised last week by police, who claimed their quick actions prevented a number of other people in the bar, and the upstairs comedy club, being injured.

DC Mick Aylett, the officer leading the investigation, said: "There are still a number of people I would like to speak to.

"Some of the customers coming out of the comedy club upstairs that had finished at around the same time of the attack have been in contact, but I would still like to talk to others who may be able to provide further information.

"As yet we still don't have clear descriptions of the arsonists other than that they were all black men. There also remains no motive for the attack.

"This was a very serious incident that needs to be solved, because these men are clearly very dangerous."

Mr Mardle, of Forest Gate, who returned home last week after receiving nearly a week of treatment to the burns on his right arm, shoulder, ear and neck, is now determined to make a fresh start following the attack.

"I don't think I will be going back to work for some time yet, but I won't let these people beat me and the staff at the pub have been very supportive," he said.

"However, I have found myself in a rut over the past year and this might be the kick up the backside I need to go back to finish my studies at college."

Anyone with information should call DC Aylett at Chingford CID on 8345 3117 or, if you wish to remain anonymous, phone CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.