Police tackle man who tried to ignite petrol pump with lighter

A man has been jailed after multiple attempts to set fire to a petrol pump.

Footage shows the moment Rory Mayoh tried to ignite petrol with a lighter at the Asda station in Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth.

The 31-year-old, of no fixed address, was arrested after a series of incidents on 6 September 2024 at 22:15 BST.

Dorset Police said a man was spotted trespassing on the railway tracks near Bournemouth train station, walking through no entry signs and climbing over a metal railing to get to the station.

In a statement, the force explained the man attempted to release fuel from the pumps, while repeatedly trying to ignite a lighter and then climbed up onto the roof.

From there he ripped off slate, metal and glass from the roof and threw it down onto the forecourt, before returning to his efforts to get fuel from a pump and set fire to it.

The statement continued: “In an effort to bring the incident to a safe resolution, an officer made efforts to approach the man, who ran away from the scene.

“He was chased by multiple officers and detained, during which he bit an officer’s thigh.”

Rory Mayoh was arrested and charged in connection with the incident.

He pleaded guilty to attempted arson with intent to endanger life, two counts of assault by beating of an emergency worker and common assault of an emergency worker.

Mayoh also admitted to posession of a knife, criminal damage and trespassing.

He was sentenced to four years in prison at Bournemouth Crown Court on Thursday 3 April.

PC Harry Roissetter said: “The completely reckless actions of Mayoh could have had very serious, tragic consequences for staff at the petrol station, members of the public in the area and officers attending the incident.

“Thankfully, staff at the petrol station noticed Mayoh’s behaviour and were able to prevent fuel from being released.

“The quick-thinking and brave actions of officers enabled Mayoh to be detained and the incident was brought to a safe resolution.”