Probe into Que Pasa arson attack continues

3:03pm Monday 12th May 2008

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POLICE were today (Monday May 12) continuing to investigate an attempted arson attack at Stourbridge's Que Pasa bar.

DI Will O'Connor said police believe the offender behind the incident, which happened at around 2.15am on Saturday May 10, was a disgruntled customer who had earlier been asked to leave the premises.

Police are still appealing for witnesses and want to speak to anyone who was in the High Street bar on Friday evening or the early hours of Saturday morning.

The offender, believed to be in his late 20s to early 30s, threw an accelerant - thought to be petrol, into the entrance of the bar, injuring a customer.

The injured man was today still in hospital suffering burns to his hands and feet.

He suffered 20 per cent burns and his injuries - while not life-threatening - have been described as serious.

No-one else was hurt during the incident.

The offender was a white man, bald and between five foot eight and five foot ten, of medium build and wearing a dark jacket with a white T-shirt underneath.

DI O'Connor said: "We are continuing to trace and speak to witnesses and locate CCTV footage which should help identify the offender.

"In fact, we would also appeal to this man to come forward so that he can assist the inquiry by explaining the full circumstances of the incident."

Meanwhile - Paul Wright, Que Pasa's brand manager, said the attack was "very much an isolated incident". He added: "Unfortunately no-one could have predicted something like this. "Our priority now is to work with the police to give them any help that we can. We have responsible and vigilant door staff and well trained bar staff, who are focused on providing our customers with a relaxing and safe environment."

Anyone with any information is asked to call Stourbridge CID on 0845 113 5000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.