Merrylands barber shop hit by suspected arson attacks as police link firebombing to pursuit

A Merrylands barber shop has been targeted in two suspected arson attacks in as many nights, with police investigating whether a car involved in a high-speed chase is linked to the second fire. WATCH THE VIDEO.

A western Sydney barber shop has been targeted by suspected arsonists two nights in a row, with police investigating whether the same group is behind both incidents — including one where the would-be firebug accidentally set himself alight.

Incredible CCTV footage shows the man, dressed head to toe in black, running along Merrylands Rd in Merrylands about 4am on Thursday, carrying two objects - one of them a red jerry can filled with petrol.

The man can be seen stopping out the front of Merrylands Barber Shop and using one of the objects to smash the front window before pouring petrol from the jerry can inside the store.

But as he sets the fuel alight the man also goes up in flames himself, stopping, dropping and rolling around in bushes alongside the footpath as he tries to put out the fire.

The man then flees the scene before emergency services arrived.

Then, less than 24 hours later, just before 3.10am on Friday, police responded to reports of another fire at the same barber shop.

Police investigating an arson attack in Sydney’s west on Thursday, the same shop was hit again on Friday. Picture: Aymon Bertah

Police at the scene in Merrylands. Picture: Aymon Bertah

That blaze failed to take hold before Fire and Rescue NSW crews arrived.

At the same time, officers attempted to stop a silver Hyundai i30 with false plates nearby on Sherwood Rd in Merrylands West.

A pursuit was initiated but was later terminated for safety reasons as it moved through Woodpark and Wentworthville.

Police now believe the vehicle involved in the pursuit may be linked to Friday’s attempted arson.

On Thursday, NSW Police have since urged him to hand himself in, saying they knew how he arrived at the scene and that he had been injured.

Forensics officers inspecting the Merrylands barbershop. Picture: Aymon Bertah

Detective Superintendent Simon Glasser said police had established the man was dropped off in a silver hatchback before damaging the barbershop and using an accelerant to light it.

“We’re of the understanding that during the process, he himself caught fire,” Supt Glasser said.

“He was able to leave the area (but) we are unsure at the moment of his actual injuries.”

Police remained at the scene for several hours afterwards, with forensics inspecting areas in and around the premises.

Supt Glasser said the “people associated with the business” were known to police and recent, similar attacks on other barbershops in Sydney would “form part of the investigation”.

When asked what his message to the arsonist would be, Supt Glasser said “hand yourself in”.

“This is a serious offence, a targeted attack, which could have been far more catastrophic,” he said.

“Luckily on this occasion, the fire didn’t take hold, but it could have destroyed the building.”

Detectives have also been seen talking to a nearby butcher as inquiries into the whereabouts of the arsonist continue.

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Originally published as Merrylands barber shop hit by suspected arson attacks as police link firebombing to pursuit