Authorities are currently on the hunt for two men following a dramatic incident in which a man set himself ablaze during what police believe was a store robbery in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales.
Surveillance footage captured the suspects entering a Thornton business in the early hours of last Tuesday, February 10. The men, dressed in dark attire and wearing balaclavas, were caught on camera as they made their way through the parking lot.
The video reveals a sudden explosion of fire on the sidewalk, followed by the startling sight of a man engulfed in flames. Desperately trying to extinguish the blaze, the man runs away from the scene. Shortly thereafter, a light-colored sedan is observed departing the vicinity.
Emergency responders were alerted and quickly arrived at the New England Highway location at approximately 1:05 a.m.
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Emergency services were called to the business on the New England Highway at 1.05am.
Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters brought the fire under control and extinguished the blaze.
While the building did not sustain major structural damage, large amounts of stock was destroyed in the fire and a cash register was stolen.
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Police have established a crime scene and are appealing for anyone with information about the two men to come forward.
Authorities believe one of the men may have sustained burns.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au
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