A PETROL station worker feared for his life as a man allegedly held a lighter to a petrol pump nozzle in the early hours of yesterday (SUN).

Initial reports from the fire service suggested the suspect was trying to drink fuel from St David's Service Station, on New Road, Pengam.

Police praised members of the public who helped identify the man after he left the scene leading to his arrest.

The garage's manager Shigin Jayaprakasan, 28, said he believed the man could have burnt the place down: "He took the nozzle from the pump and was trying to use the lighter. He tried to make trouble here. I was not working but I was told he took some pallets from outside and tried to burn them.

"My member of staff was quite scared, petrol is very flammable. I think maybe the man was drunk or had some kind of problem."

Mr Jayaprakasan estimated the incident took around 15 minutes.

He has passed CCTV to police to help with their investigation.

Twitter reports from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service said they were called to attend the garage after a man was seen drinking petrol and holding a lighter.

Engines from Cefn Forest, Whitchurch and Caerphilly were mobilised but were stood down as police dealt with the incident.

Inspector Simon Powell-Jones, of Gwent Police, said officers responded to a 999 call at 3.15am.

He added: "The initial report suggested that a person was interfering with a a petrol pump. Upon arrival at the scene members of the public directed officers to the vicinity of Pengam Road where a male matching the description of the suspect was located. The male was arrested on suspicion of attempted arson with intent to endanger life and remains in custody at this time while enquiries continue. Gwent Police would like to thank members of the public for their assistance in identifying the suspect and providing information as to his whereabouts."

Insp Powell-Jones confirmed there was no ignition of petrol and no-one was injured.