CCTV image released as part of Bristol nightclub arson inquiry

Detectives investigating an arson attack on a Bristol nightclub are releasing a CCTV image of a man they’d like to talk to.

Extensive damage was caused to SWX, on Nelson Street, when it was deliberately set on fire at around 2:35am on Tuesday, 13 July.

An accelerant is believed to have been used to start the fire.

The club was just days away from fully reopening having been closed due to the pandemic.

Detective Inspector Tola Munro said: “As well as causing substantial fire damage to the venue this attack has cost the owners a significant amount in lost revenue which only adds to the upset such an incident causes.

“Thankfully, the building was empty at the time and no one was hurt but whoever set it on fire could not have known for certain this was the case.

“We’re taking the incident extremely seriously and have carried out a large number of enquires since it happened, including trawling through hours of CCTV footage from the local area.

“As a result of these enquiries we’ve identified someone we think might be able to help our investigation but we need the public’s help to identify them.

“If you know who the man in the CCTV image is, or have any other information which could help our inquiry, please contact us.”

Anyone who can help is asked to call 101 and provide the call handler with the reference 5221157462.