Police probe 'fireball' arson attack in Mansfield

Officers were called to a report that two males had been seen starting a fire at a property on Frederick Street at around 10.45pm on Monday.

The pair were then spotted running off towards Arthur Street.

Police say it is believed one of the suspects poured petrol over the door before the other lit it, resulting in a fireball which could have caused them injuries.

Emergency services arrived to find a fire outside the doorway to the property.

Firefighters put out the blaze, which caused significant damage to the door.

The occupant was inside the property at the time of the incident.

Det Sgt Charlotte Henson, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "We are working hard to establish the full circumstances, including checking CCTV footage, and to help us with our investigation we’re appealing for anyone who saw what happened to please come forward.

“We’d particularly like to hear from anyone who may have seen any of their friends or family members with fresh burns.

“Given how close the males were to the door when it went up in flames there’s a possibility they may have suffered burns to their clothing or even skin.

“If you know someone who has new or unexplained injuries please do get in touch as it could help our investigation.”

Anyone who saw anything suspicious or has information should contact police on 101, quoting incident 922 of 15 March 2021, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.