CCTV shows man setting himself on fire trying to torch soft play centre

The video shows a man caught in the middle of an explosion as he attempts to set fire to a soft play area.

CCTV footage has shown a man accidentally setting himself on fire during an apparent attempt to torch a soft play centre in Midlothian.

It comes after emergency services rushed to Saltire Soft Play and Soccer Centre in the Mayfield Industrial Estate in Dalkeith on Saturday at around 11.30pm to reports of a blaze.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service attended and quickly extinguished the fire.

Police Scotland said they are trying to trace a man dressed in black who was seen in the area.

Saltire Soccer Centre and Saltire Soft Play after a fire was deliberately started.Saltire Soccer Centre & Saltire Soft Play

A video released by Saltire Soft Play shows a man in dark clothing and a bag trying to put an item through the company’s letterbox.

As it is lit, the fire spreads to his hands before he is caught in the middle of an explosion.

The man is then seen running away from the fire and out of view.

Police are appealing for help to try and find the man.

Detective constable Russell Taylor of CID said: We are treating the fire as wilful, and our inquiries are ongoing.

“We are keen to trace a man dressed in black who was seen in the area at the time.

“I would appeal to anyone driving in the area who may have dash cam footage which could help contact us.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting incident 4613 of August 12.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.

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