Two youths were caught on CCTV carying out an arson attempt at a forecourt's filling station in South Molton, Devon.
Devon and Cornwall Police were called to South Molton Service Station in East Street at around 11.10pm on Tuesday, October 27 following a report two youths were causing criminal damage.
The pair then started a fire on the forecourt before fleeing the scene.
The fire service were called and on appliance from South Molton Fire Station attended, no fire was found on arrival and no actions was needed from the crew. The fire was extinguished by quick-thinking staff at the services.
South Molton Fire Station is owned by Vijay Jaganathan, who is the owner of VST Forecourts.
South Molton Services wrote on Facebook, "Last night around 10:50 PM, two banned youths entered our shop, refused to leave, and damaged our forecourt hatch.They then took the fuel nozzle from Pump No. 6 and deliberately lit a fire on the ground.
"Our staff intervened immediately, and the youths fled. Both the Fire Service and Police attended the scene. Thankfully no one was hurt, but this reckless behaviour could have caused a catastrophic explosion for our neighbourhood.
"If you have any footage, witnessed this, or have any information, please contact the Police on 101 immediately.Parents, please know where your children are. Safety is our priority, and CCTV has been handed over to the police."
South Molton Services/Facebook
A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Police were called to South Molton Service Station in East Street at around 11.10pm on Tuesday 27 October following a report two youths were causing criminal damage.
"They then started a fire on the forecourt before fleeing the scene. The small fire was quickly extinguished by staff. Investigations are continuing to identify the suspects."
A Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Spokesperson added: "We were called to a petrol station on East Street in South Molton at 11.21pm on Tuesday 27 October to reports that youths had set a fire on the forecourt.
"One appliance from South Molton Fire Station attended. On arrival, no fire was found and no action was needed from the crew."