Police search for failed arsonist who set his pants on fire instead of a restaurant

An arsonist is wanted by Australian police on Friday after attempting to set fire to a restaurant, an act during which he set his pants on fire before having to hastily take them off to escape, according to video surveillance footage released by police . In this video, two people dressed in black hoodies and pants stand outside a restaurant in Melbourne, southeastern Australia, carrying a can of what security forces order describe as a “flammable liquid”.

One of the individuals then probably tries to light the liquid at the facade of the building, in the blind spot of the camera. Then, suddenly, the incendiary ignites. In a hurry, he manages to take off his pants and run away naked. His accomplice does not seem injured.

Victoria State Police, which released the images on Thursday, appealed for witnesses. The attempted arson took place on the morning of December 25, she said. “Investigators released video surveillance images […] of two people thinking that they can help them in their investigations,” explained the police in a press release.