AN ARSONIST filled up a mop bucket with petrol and threw it in a shop worker’s face before torching the store.

The employee managed to run outside as Sebastian Szydlowski threw the liquid around the Almera Polish Shop, Whalley Banks, Blackburn.

Szydlowski then ignited the store which erupted in a huge fireball. Miraculously he managed to escaped unharmed.

The arson attack caused substantial structural damage and scaffolding still surrounds the terraced block close to the town centre.

At court yesterday Szydlowski, 30, of Rawstorne Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty plea to arson recklessly endangering life at Preston Crown Court.

His barrister entered the plea on his behalf as Szydlowski is currently detained in a psychiatric unit.

Police said Szydlowski, a Polish national who had been living in Blackburn for less than a year, was a ‘regular customer’ at the store.

They said Szydlowski had argued with staff twice in the days leading up to the incident at 9.30am on October 19 and had been refused entry.

On that morning he filled up a mop bucket with petrol from a pump at the Shell garage directly opposite.

Afterwards, he fled towards his flat where he lived alone, with the staff member chasing him. Police were quickly on the scene and arrested him.

After the case Detective Inspector Mark Winstanley, of Blackburn CID, said: “This was a serious fire which caused a massive amount of damage, not just to the shop, but to attached premises and living quarters.

“The fact that nobody was killed or seriously injured is nothing short of miraculous.”

A not guilty plea to a more serious charge of arson with intent to endanger life was accepted by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Sentencing was adjourned until March 21 for reports.

Click below to see video footage from the fire