- Akashdeep Singh was killed when fire tore through his home in Wolverhampton
This is the chilling moment an arsonist used a petrol can to set fire to a family home in an attack which left a 26-year-old man dead and four others injured.
Akashdeep Singh was killed when the devastating blaze tore through his semi-detached property in Wolverhampton on June 25.
Four other family members were injured in the fire, with a 52-year-old woman and a 16-year-old boy in hospital in a critical but stable condition.
The teenager had previously been described as being in a life-threatening condition while police revealed the woman suffered 'life-changing' burns.
Shocking footage released on Tuesday shows a man dressed in dark clothing approaching the home with a petrol cannister before smashing the front windows.
Shocking CCTV footage shows the moment a house was set on fire, killing a 26-year-old man
The footage shows a man dressed in dark clothing approaching the home with a petrol cannister before smashing the front windows
Seconds later a huge flash of white light can be seen as the house goes up in flames and the suspect sprints away from the scene.
Emergency services, including 20 firefighters, were called to the street at around 1:10am but Mr Singh could not be saved and later died in hospital.
Two other men, one in his 50s, and a second in his 20s were discharged from hospital after being treated for minor injuries.
Tributes have been paid to Mr Singh by his relatives, who said: 'Our family is deeply shocked and saddened by the news of Akashdeep Singh's passing.
'He was a kind, helpful, and deeply religious person whose loss brings us immense pain that will remain with us for the rest of our lives.
'A true hero, our precious son, whose boundless kindness, infectious laughter, and unwavering love filled our lives with immeasurable joy; his memory will forever be cherished, and the depth of his absence is profoundly felt every single day.'
West Midlands Police has launched a murder investigation and urged anyone with information to get in touch.
The figure could be seen smashing the windows of the property, creating a loud bang
A force spokesperson said: 'We have been working round the clock to piece together what has happened and to bring whoever is responsible to justice.
'As the footage shows, one offender is seen to smash a window and a fire was started, which resulted in the devastating blaze.
'Investigators have been retrieving and reviewing CCTV and doorbell footage from around the area as we build up a picture of the events that night.
'A thorough forensic examination has been carried out and officers have been working on extensive door-to-door enquiries.
'Our local teams have also been patrolling the area to offer extra reassurance and we remain in close contact with community leaders as the investigation continues.
'Our officers have also been supporting the family at this most awful time and keeping them updated.'
Detective Supterintendent Shaun Edwards, from the Major Crime Unit, said: 'This is a truly shocking and heartless attack on a family home which has resulted in one young man losing his life and, two other family members still very seriously injured in hospital.
Seconds later a huge flash of white light can be seen as the house goes up in flames and the suspect sprints away from the scene
'Investigators have worked closely with our fire service colleagues as we continue to progress the murder enquiry and we are now in a position to release footage which we believe will help us bring the perpetrator to justice.
'We believe one offender did leave the scene heading in the direction of East Park and we are considering the possibility that they may have some burn injuries themselves.
'So we would ask people to think back and consider if they know of anyone who has suffered such injuries about two weeks ago.
'We'd like to thank everyone who has already spoken to us and come forward with information and would urge anyone who is yet to do so, to think about what this family is going through and do the right thing.'
One resident living nearby previously said he heard shouting and described seeing 'plumes of smoke' when he opened his bedroom curtains.
He said: 'We have the bedroom windows open as it was very warm last night and I heard someone shouting and a dog barking and thought it was because the warm weather was back and people were outside and something had kicked off.
'I looked outside and that's when I saw the plumes of smoke and then saw the lights from the fire and ambulance and police.'
Anyone with information is asked to call 101, or message police via Live Chat online, quoting log 218 of June 25.
Alternatively, anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
