Barber shop allegedly targeted by arsonist for second night in a row

A Sydney barber shop has allegedly been targeted by an arsonist for the second night in a row.

Police were called to reports of a fire at a barbershop on Merrylands Road, Merrylands West Sydney's west just after 4am yesterday.

CCTV footage from the shop yesterday showed a man pouring what appeared to be petrol on the shop and setting it on fire, accidentally lighting himself on fire in the process.

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The man could be seen rolling on the ground in an attempt to put out the fire.

Today at 3.10am, police attempted to stop a silver Huandai i30 with false registration plates on Sherwood Road in Merrylands West.

A short police pursuit was called off over safety concerns, with the detectives still seeking the car.

About the same time, police were told that a fire had started inside the same barber shop, but had failed to cause any structural damage before firefighters arrived.

A crime scene has been established, and anyone with information has again been asked to come forward.

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