A man had a flammable liquid poured over him before he was set on fire.

The shocking incident happened in a shop in Wigton Road, Carlisle, this morning.

Armed police could then be seen on the city's streets, as the hunt for the attacker got under way.

Cumbria Police say the man responsible is still at large.

The 50-year-old male victim was doused in an "accelerant" and then set alight.

Police were called to PB Sports at 10.47am.

A force spokesman said: "An unknown male offender has entered the property and assaulted an occupant."

The victim has suffered burns to his legs and was taken to the Cumberland Infirmary.

The police said the man's injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.

A fire service spokesman told the News & Star : "They had an accelerent thrown over them and it was set alight."

Armed police were deployed as a "precaution".

Speaking at the scene Inspector Jon Oliphant said: "We are investigating an incident which occurred in a shop. Enquiries are ongoing."

He added: "There's no danger to any members of the public."

The road was cordoned off but has now reopened.

* Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident number 65 of 13th February.

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.