Man arrested after 'petrol attack' on banks in Hull city centre
Footage showed people screaming as a fire started at a Santander bank聽and police officers ran into a neighbouring Barclays outlet
Tuesday 11 September 2018 22:00, UK
A man has been arrested after reportedly launching a petrol attack on two banks while carrying a knife in Hull city centre.
Footage posted online shows fire outside a Santander bank and officers running into a neighbouring Barclays outlet.
People can be heard screaming, with one member of the public saying: "He's got a machete".
Humberside Police said officers were called to a report that a man was "carrying a bladed weapon and a container with liquid in thought to be petrol".
"The man had entered two banks on King Edward Street around 1pm and set fire to some of the liquid," a police spokesman said.
"A number of officers quickly attended along with fire crews and a small blaze was put out."
"The situation was contained very quickly by police and emergency crews and the man was arrested at Paragon Interchange.
"The suspect is now in custody. No one has been seriously injured."
Chief Superintendent Phill Ward said: "We are mindful of the public's concern that these types of incidents may be related to terrorism, however there is nothing to suggest that this is anything other than an isolated incident which has been dealt with promptly by the responding police and emergency services.
"I want to offer reassurance that our priority at all times is the safety of the public."