CCTV footage has captured the moment an arsonist set themself alight as they tried to torch a barbers’ shop.

ACT Police released the footage of the attempted arson at the shop in Gungahlin, in the territory’s north, last month.

It shows two people arriving on bikes at the Gold Blade barber shop in Hibberson Street about 11.40pm on Saturday, July 6.

“One of these people proceeds to smash the glass front door to the premises with a hammer before the other enters through the shattered glass with a red jerry can, which is then used to douse the premises with accelerant,” police said on Monday.

“This person then ignites the accelerant, setting themselves alight in the process, before being extinguished with the assistance of the other person.”

The footage shows one of the would-be arsonists rushing from the building to roll on the ground while his offsider bats away the flames. Once the fire was out, the pair fled on their bikes towards Gungahlin Place before police arrived.

ACT Police said the building’s fire system contained the blaze, but not before there was extensive damage to the barbers’ shop.

Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

“This includes anyone with knowledge of a person incurring burns to their body and/or clothing over [that] weekend,” they said.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website.