Arsonist who torched Burnley nightclub – and tried to burn down another venue – jailed

Officers were called to Mac's Bar, Hammerton Street, on September 26th, 2019, after reports of smoke coming from the premises.

Once firefighters had dealt with the blaze, detectives found two melted petrol cans within the DJ booth and an investigation was launched.

CCTV footage showed a man, who is now known to be Jordan Schofield, using an angle grinder to detach the door lock and enter the club.

Once inside, Schofield set fire to the DJ booth and bar area of the nightclub, before leaving.

In the early hours of November 20th, officers were contacted by a member of the public who had seen a man attempting to break into the Illuminati Bar, also in Hammerton Street, using an angle grinder.

Officers attended the scene and found Schofield hiding in the alcove of a nearby building.

When he was taken to custody, officers seized a red lighter, along with a black cable tie.

They also found a green bag containing four plastic petrol canisters, each containing what is believed to be petrol, close to where Schofield was arrested, as well as a black hoodie, gloves, a green North Face baseball cap, a torch and an angle grinder.

Schofield (22), of Compston Avenue, Rossendale, was charged with arson and remanded into custody.

Last week he was convicted of arson and attempted arson when he appeared at Preston Crown Court.

PC James Jankovski, of Burnley CID, said: “Schofield’s actions were reckless and could have easily resulted in serious or fatal injuries being caused to himself of others, as well as himself.

"Not content with his first attempt at burning the nightclub to the ground, Schofield returned to the scene of the crime and it was thanks to the vigilance of the public and speedy response of officers that he didn’t succeed in his aim.

“Lancashire Constabulary will not tolerate the kind of thoughtless behaviour demonstrated by Schofield and I hope he uses his time in custody to fully reflect on what he did.”