Yob tries to burn down soft play centre – accidentally sets himself on fire

Police have appealed for information

Emergency services were called to a blaze at the Saltire Soft Play and Soccer Centre in Dalkeith, Midlothian, at around 11.30pm on Saturday.

And when they looked back at the building's CCTV to find out who the arsonist was, they saw that the yob managed to set himself alight in the process.

The centre shared the footage on their Facebook page, which shows the hooded thug putting something through the letterbox.

But as smoke begins to pour from the building, he gets caught in the flames and is seen waving his arms in panic.

He then runs away to escape a plume of fire that shoots out the door.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service crews managed to extinguish the fire but not until significant damage had been done to the building's entrance, forcing the centre to close for several days.

The soft play centre has appealed for any information that could identify the man.

Owner Craig Meikle said: "This has obviously been devastating for my family, our staff and customers and has left us unable to open for business. 

"Our thanks go out to all our well-wishers and the emergency services, whose prompt response has meant, hopefully, our closure will only be for a short time."

Detective Constable Russell Taylor said: "We are keen to trace a man dressed in black who was seen in the area. 

"I would appeal to anyone who may have dashcam footage which could help to please contact us."

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