A bungling arsonist was caught on CCTV setting himself on fire while trying to torch a cafe.
Footage shows a masked individual arriving in the dead of night carrying a burning object with sparks spraying from it.
He was seen hurling it at the front of the business, triggering a blinding flash.
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As the flash faded, part of the outdoor seating area – and the suspect himself – could be seen engulfed in flames.
The crook then made a hasty getaway on foot with part of his clothing still on fire.
The alleged attack took place in Winssen, the Netherlands, in the early hours of Saturday (4 July).
When Michel Hovenkamp and his wife arrived at their cafe later that morning, they found the front of the building blackened by fire and the artificial grass outside scorched.
It is believed the suspect intended to throw the burning projectile through the front window.
Instead, it landed outside the building, the flames soon died out, and the damage was limited to the exterior.
Had the projectile made it through the window, it could have put residents living in the flats above the cafe at serious risk.
Police recovered remnants of the projectile and are treating the incident as suspected arson, as reported by Need To Know.
Officers are speaking to local residents and have made no arrests so far.
A few months earlier, a fire broke out at a restaurant in the village, although it is not yet known whether the two incidents are connected.
The cafe had gone viral just months before after introducing a challenge featuring a giant serving of chips, two sausage rolls, mayonnaise and satay sauce.
Despite the positive publicity, Michel said he has no idea why his business was targeted.
The cafe was able to reopen later the same day.
The front of the building needs repainting, while the artificial grass outside will have to be replaced.
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