Story By: Lee Bullen, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency:  Newsflash

This is the moment a topless man breaks into a church in America and douses several wooden pews in flammable liquid before setting them alight.

The incident was filmed by CCTV cameras in the census-designated place (CDP) of Town ‘n’ Country in the county of Hillsborough in the US state of Florida.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said on Facebook: “On Friday at 10:36 p.m. the suspect broke into Incarnation Catholic Church in Town ’N’ Country and lit several pews on fire.”

Video shows him pouring flammable liquid onto three wooden pews before setting them on fire. The man fled the scene at 10:39 p.m.

The local police hope that the CCTV footage will lead to someone recognising the suspect.

The man broke into the church by throwing items at a glass pane on the entrance doors.

In the footage, the topless suspect is seen entering the spacious church before apparently pouring flammable liquid over several pews.

The man then sets the liquid alight and a fireball momentarily fills the church.

The suspect is last seen running out of the burning building, apparently without taking anything.

According to the Tampa Bay Times, the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are helping with the investigation.

Meanwhile, Sheriff Chad Chronister said that the flames caused significant damage to the church.

The police probe continues.

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