A man set fire to himself during an arson attack in Rochdale.

At about 5am on Wednesday 5 February 2014, a man poured a flammable liquid onto the grill of a recovery truck that was parked up on Ashworth Street, Falinge.

The offender set himself alight as he set fire to the van.

He was captured on CCTV desperately trying to put out the fire on his arm as he ran off along Ashworth Street.

He then got into a waiting light coloured Nissan Micra that was parked nearby and driven off by another man.

The fire from the vehicle spread to a nearby family home, causing damage to the front door and windows of the property.

Thankfully the occupants -- who had no connection to the vehicle -- were not harmed.

Detective Constable Russ Clarke, said: "It is only by chance and the speedy response of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue service which prevented any loss of life during this attack.

"This offender acted with no thought for his own safety or that of any of the local residents.

"It is important that anybody with information regarding this incident or who witnessed the events unfold comes forward to speak to us.

"It is very likely that the offender has suffered burns to his left hand and arm. Are you aware of somebody who has recently had to attend hospital due to a similar injury or has someone you know recently started wearing a bandage or dressing to his left arm?

"Is someone you know in pain with an unexplained injury and having to take pain relief?

"If so it is vitally important you contact because if they strike again it is completely realistic to suspect someone could be seriously harmed or even killed.

"It is therefore crucial that this individual is caught and brought to justice for his actions. He has to be prevented from placing the lives of other residents and families in danger.

"We would also like to identify him in order to ensure that he has sought the appropriate medical treatment and while he may not have attended hospital through fear of being identified he could be suffering with injuries that require urgent medical treatment.

"I would also ask that anybody with information regarding the driver of the Nissan Micra motor vehicle contacts us."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Constable Russ Clarke or Detective Sergeant Martin Soutter on 0161 856 9961 or via Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.