Police footage captures the moment an arsonist set fire to a Norwich shop and was arrested with a lighter in his pocket and smelling of smoke.

Darren Ince, 57, was spotted starting the blaze in the doorway of the British Red Cross shop, on St Benedict's Street.

CCTV released by the police shows the moment the shop doorway is engulfed in flames.  

A witness had described seeing flames coming from the front door and a man standing in the doorway and adding items to the fire to help fuel it further.

READ MORE: Dangerous homeless arsonist jailed for shop attack

Ince, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to four and a half years and two years on extended licence after pleading guilty to arson with intent to endanger life and arson reckless as to whether life is endangered.

Darren Ince was jailed after pleading guilty to arson with intent to endanger lifeDarren Ince was jailed after pleading guilty to arson with intent to endanger life (Image: Norfolk Constabulary) Ince was arrested close to the blaze after a witness gave police a descriptionInce was arrested close to the blaze after a witness gave police a description (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

Body-worn video footage also shows officers stopping and arresting Ince, who matched the description given by the witness, further down the road a short while later.

He tells them he is living in a tent by the river and is heading into the city but officers place him in handcuffs telling him he is being arrested on suspicion of arson and to prevent further damage to property.

READ MORE: British Red Cross shop remains closed after fire

CCTV shows flames at the Red Cross shop and a man adding items to the fire to help fuel it furtherCCTV shows flames at the Red Cross shop and a man adding items to the fire to help fuel it further (Image: Norfolk Constabulary) The blaze at the St Benedict's Street shop caused losses of more than £90,000The blaze at the St Benedict's Street shop caused losses of more than £90,000 (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

The blaze on February 24 caused more than £90,000 worth of losses through damage to the shop and stock as well as lost sales and cleaning and repair bills.

Lead investigating officer, PC James Mcavoy, said: “Ince is a dangerous offender who has now been imprisoned, removing the opportunity for him to offend further. 

“His actions could have had serious consequences and we are incredibly lucky that no one was hurt.

“I hope this sentence offers reassurance to the staff of the shop and the local residents that we will continue to work to remove people like Ince from the streets of Norfolk.”