CCTV image released of suspect after arson attack on Preston beauty salon

Following extensive CCTV enquiries, police are eager to speak to the man pictured in connection with a fire at iLashed Academy in Blackpool Road at 12.25am on September 28.

Lancashire Police are appealing for the public's help to identify the man and are asking anyone with information to come forward.

Det Con Liz Sheard, of Preston Police, said: “Our investigation into an arson attack at a beauty salon in Ashton-on-Ribble is very much on-going.

"Someone has deliberately set this business premises on fire and we are working hard to establish who is responsible.

"We would urge anyone who recognises the man pictured to come forward with information."

A joint police and fire service investigation found the cause of the blaze to be accelerant that had been poured through the door before being set alight.

The beauty salon suffered extensive fire damage and police believe the perpetrator might have injured their hand in the act.

Devastated salon owner Imogen Southwood, whose business was also set on fire just days after it first opened in March, has previously offered a £1,000 cash reward for information that could lead to the arsonist's arrest.

Speaking after the second arson attack on her salon, she said: "I'm 20-years-old and I don’t deserve any of this. We have only just been allowed back to work since being in lockdown and I’ve worked so hard to get my salon back to normal after last time and now it’s happened all over again.

"Someone clearly has it in for me and is trying their best to ruin my business and my life. Please help."

Images from CCTV footage posted to the salon's Facebook page appear to show a hooded male outside the salon around the time of the second fire on September 28.

Anybody with information is asked to get in touch with police on 101, quoting log number 22 of September 28.

Alternatively independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.