Story By: Bartosz Staszewski, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: CEN

Video Credit: CEN

This is the moment an arsonist starts a huge blaze by setting fire to a retro-style electric car in an underground car park.

The incident was caught on CCTV security cameras at the car park in the city of Gdansk in northern Poland’s Pomeranian Voivodeship region.

The hooded man is seen ducking under a roller shutter to enter the underground car park.

Pictures Credit: CEN

He then walks straight to a bright red Melex electric car, styled on a vintage motor, and sets the interior of the vehicle alight.

The man then turns on his heels and runs off with the car now fully engulfed in flames. The fire subsequently spread, destroying other vehicles and causing significant damage to the car park, according to reports.

Eleven firefighters were called to the scene to control the blaze, and a security guard required hospital treatment for smoke inhalation.

Police spokeswoman Karina Kaminska said: “As a result of the fire, cars and a part of the car park were burned. Losses are estimated at over 1.6 million PLN (320,000 GBP).

“Our investigation concerns the threat to the lives and health of many people as well the destruction of property.”

The incident happened in December but the District Prosecutor’s Office in Gdansk have just released the video as they are still looking for the arsonist.

Police are asking anyone who recognises the man in the footage, or who has information that could help identify him, to contact the City Police Headquarters in Gdansk.

Polish firm Melex is one of the oldest manufacturers of electric cars in the world. It began making electric golf carts in 1971 but now makes a range of electric vehicles.

No motive has been provided for the crime.