POLICE are appealing for witnesses following an arson attack in a Somerset town.

Officers have issued CCTV footage of the incident, which they say shows a man setting light to a van in Yeovil.

The vehicle was severely damaged in the blaze in Lower Ream on Saturday, March 6, at around 10.30pm.

A man in dark clothing can be seen in the CCTV video starting the fire before running off from the scene as the van erupts in a fireball, according to police.

Investigating officer PC Luke Rennie said: “From the footage it appears the man made off in the direction of Stourton Way.

“Were you in the Lower Ream/Stourton area on Saturday night? Did you see anyone acting suspiciously?

“Do you live in the area and have a doorbell camera or CCTV? If you do, does the footage capture the offender?”

He added: “Given how close the man was to the vehicle when it went up in flames, there’s a possibility he suffered burns to his clothing or even skin.

“If you know someone who has new or unexplained injuries please do get in touch as it could help our inquiry.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 and provide the call handler with the reference 5221048628.

You can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via its anonymous online form.

No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court or have to speak to police when contacting Crimestoppers.