Dramatic CCTV shows the moment an arsonist almost sets themselves on fire – before the blaze claimed the life of a man in Wolverhampton.
Akashdeep Singh, 26, died in hospital after the fire at his home, police said.
His family described him as “a true hero” whose “boundless kindness” filled their lives with joy.
A 16-year-old boy was also left in a life-threatening condition and a 52-year-old woman sustained life-changing injuries.
Four people in total were injured in the fire at Mr Singh’s family home in Plascom Road, which broke out around 1am on 25 June.
Detectives are now appealing for help to track down the arsonist responsible, and released CCTV on Tuesday that allegedly captures the arsonist starting the fire.
In the nighttime video, a person can be seen repeatedly striking a window until it smashes, before starting a fire that erupts with a huge burst of light.
Detective Superintendent Shaun Edwards said the footage shows a concerted attempt to cause a significant blaze.
“Do you recognise the person in the CCTV?,” he says in the video appeal.
“They may have been injured from burns or their clothing certainly might have been damaged. Do you know that person? Has that person confided in you?”
DS Edwards said the crime would take a “significant degree of planning” and that the motive was as yet unclear.
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Addressing the person responsible, who remains at large, he added: “Your actions already have had significant consequences – a 26-year-old man is dead, his family are grieving.
“We have officers dedicated to bringing you to justice. I am asking you to do the right thing and come forward and hand yourself in the police.”
In a statement issued through police, relatives of the victim said: “Our family is deeply shocked and saddened by the news of Akashdeep Singh’s passing.
“He was a kind, helpful, and deeply religious person whose loss brings us immense pain that will remain with us for the rest of our lives.
“A true hero, our precious son, whose boundless kindness, infectious laughter, and unwavering love filled our lives with immeasurable joy, his memory will forever be cherished, and the depth of his absence is profoundly felt every single day.”
