Harborne Office Firebombed in Premeditated Arson Attack on Good Friday
This is the horrifying moment a yob hurled petrol bombs at an office window in a vicious arson attack that targeted St Mary's House in Harborne. The building, which is home to three businesses and approximately 30 staff members, was struck in the early hours of Good Friday, April 3.
Dramatic CCTV Footage Captures the Incident
Dramatic CCTV footage shows the unidentified arsonist lighting two gas-filled bottles before launching them at the Harborne building. He is then seen fleeing the scene on foot at around 1am. Police have launched an investigation and urged witnesses to come forward, but no arrests had been made as of Wednesday, April 8.
Business Owner Expresses Shock and Horror
One business owner, who did not wish to be identified, told BirminghamLive they had no idea who would want to target their business, or for what reason. He said: "Who would go to these lengths to firebomb a building? That's what's so horrific, that somebody in a premeditated way has gone to the trouble of getting petrol, filling two bottles, carrying them to a location, then setting light to one of them open with a rag or something in it and throwing into a building through a window - that's intent to cause as much damage or injury as you can."
He added: "There have been three businesses in the building for many years and none of us are aware of any problems or threats and have no idea at all why someone would target us in any way let alone by fire bombs. But whoever did this must surely have had a reason, not just a whim. There are upwards of 30 people working in the building, there could have been anyone in. Whoever did the attack did not know that it was empty. This is with intent and planning."
Significant Damage and Potential for Injury
It is beyond belief that someone could commit such a dangerous arson attack with such a high risk of injury or worse, including to themselves. Fortunately, the fire doors inside the building contained it from gutting the whole building. However, the front room is "completely burnt out", he added. St. Mary's House is now boarded-up following the arson attack.
Police Investigation Underway
It is thought a second person was also seen running from the area at the time. West Midlands Police said officers are working to "identify potential suspects." A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "We are investigating a report of arson in Vivian Road, Birmingham this weekend. Shortly after 1am on Friday (3 April) we were called after a fire started at a business premises. Enquiries are ongoing and our officers are working to identify potential suspects. Anyone who was in the area and might know more can call 101 quoting log 181 of 3 April."
