THREE people were left "very badly shaken" after a man poured flammable liquid around a Belfast shop and set it on fire.
It happened at premises in the Donegall Street area at around 12.50pm yesterday.
Police said the suspect entered the shop and poured a flammable substance around before setting it alight.
He then made off on foot along Donegall Street.
Three people were in the shop at the time, however no-one was injured. But police said all three were left "very badly shaken".
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene and extinguished the fire.
Police have appealed for witnesses.
PSNI Detective Sergeant Keith Wilson said: "It is believed this man purchased petrol from a filling station on Clifton Street before making his way to Donegall Street.
"Did you see him or do you have any information that could assist with our enquiries?"
"If so, please call detectives at Musgrave Criminal Investigation Branch on the non-emergency number 101."
