A SUSPECTED arsonist was seen running away from the scene of an attack engulfed in flames after he accidentally set himself alight while torching a home.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said officers received a report that a house was on fire on Belloc Avenue, South Shields, South Tyneside shortly after 3am on Tuesday.

Emergency services attended and one occupant was treated for minor burns to his feet.

An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the fire, which officers are treating as suspected arson, with inquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible.

Police have since obtained CCTV footage which shows a man acting suspiciously at the front door of the address in question shortly before the fire ignited.

The man can be seen running away from the scene engulfed in flames. The CCTV is not being released.

Officers are keen to trace the man in question, who is likely to have suffered severe burns as a result of the incident.

Detective Constable Gavin James, of Northumbria Police, said: “This was a very serious incident that could have resulted in severe injury or even a fatality.

“We are committed to finding those responsible for the fire, which we believe was started maliciously.

“Our inquiries have led us to a man who was acting suspiciously at the front door of the address in question, just before the fire was ignited.

“We are now keen to speak to him in connection with the incident, and would ask anyone who is aware of somebody who has come to suffer serious burns over the last few days to come forward and pass that information to police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 78 240619 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.