Eighteen dead after arsonist blocks exit and sets karaoke bar on fire in China

An arsonist in China blocked the only entry and exit point of a karaoke bar before setting the place on fire, killing 18 people.

Video footage of the horrific and premeditated attack is circling social media after the KYV lounge in Yindge went up in flames.

The deliberately-lit fire started inside the three-storey building in the early hours of the morning yesterday (local time).

Those inside frantically tried to escape but were trapped as the only way out was blocked by a motorbike, state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) reports.

Liu Chunlu, 32, was arrested in a nearby village and suffered burns to his waist as a result of the fire, police say.

A rewards of 200,000 yuan (AUD$41,635) was offered to anyone who provided information leading to the arrest.

Eighteen people died and five people were injured in the blaze.

The motive behind the attack remains unclear.