POLICE are appealing to the Southall community to help identify a man they would like to speak to in connection with an arson attack in Gravesend, Kent, in which a car was badly damaged.
The man in the CCTV footage released by police is believed to be from the Southall area. He was seen filling up a canister of petrol at the Turnpike Service Station in Gravesend shortly before a car was covered in petrol and set alight at about 1am last Tuesday.
DS Dave Brittain, investigating officer, explained that the incident could have been much worse.
He said: "Fortunately the fire extinguished itself very quickly if it had spread to the petrol tank I have no doubt someone would have been hurt or even killed as a result.
"We have information to believe that the man in the picture may be from the Southall area of London and we would urge anyone who knows who, or where, he is to let us know. We would like to speak to him as soon as possible."
The man was seen leaving the petrol station in a small white saloon car.
If anyone has any information on this incident please contact DS Brittain on 01474 565167 or contact the Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
July 16, 2002 15:30
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