CCTV appeal after 'accelerant poured through letterbox' during arson attack at St Annes shop
Police have released CCTV footage of a person they want to speak to after an accelerant was poured through a shop’s letterbox and set alight in an arson attack in St Annes.
The incident happened at around 4am on November 4 at a shop premises on St Andrew’s Road South.
Officers have now released CCTV footage of a man they want to speak to in connection with the incident.
The shop, Portal of Mairenn, was targeted on the eve of Bonfire Night, forcing owner Debera Smith to temporarily close while police carried out enquiries.
Damage was also caused to the front door during the targeted attack.
Following the incident, Ms Smith said she and a resident living above the shop were unharmed but warned other business owners and residents to remain vigilant.
In a Facebook update at the time, she said: “We all must be extra vigilant with our businesses and homes now. Keep your cameras on and please report anything suspicious as it can save lives.”
A Lancashire Police spokesperson said officers were called to the scene later that morning after the damage was discovered.
They said: “We were called at 9.12am on Tuesday, November 4, to a report of arson at a shop premises on St Andrew’s Road South, St Annes.
“It was reported that an accelerant had been poured through the letterbox at the front of the property and set alight, causing damage.”
Police are now asking anyone who recognises the person in the CCTV footage, has information about who it could be, or has information about the offence to contact them.
Anyone with information is asked to email [email protected] or call 101, quoting log 0251 of November 4.