Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying a man who deliberately set a fire in front of an Oak Bay Avenue pub.
Oak Bay police say security video shows what appears to be a white male pouring a liquid over the front steps and doormat of the business before lighting it on fire and leaving the scene on foot.
An employee at the Penny Farthing pub confirmed that the fire occurred at the business.
The man was wearing a dark-coloured balaclava, denim jacket, camouflage-patterned pants and red running shoes. He was carrying a camouflage backpack.
The fire did not damage the building and no one was injured in the incident, police said.
Two staff members who were inside the business at the time put it out with a fire extinguisher.
Oak Bay police are asking anyone with information about the incident or who may be able to assist police in identifying the suspect to contact the department at 250-592-2424 or Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
— With a file from Michael John Lo
