Firefighters were called to Spice in Erksine Lane just after 5 am last Friday and it emerged today the fire-raisers responsible carried out their attack only a short time before.

Police say they are looking for two men who they believe broke a window into the bar and were able to start the fire, probably with the aid of an accelerant, without entering the property.

The blaze spread quickly, causing thousands of pounds of damage to the bar, although the restaurant upstairs was not affected.

“They broke the window of the bar but didn’t go inside the place,” said Detective Inspector Willie Semple today. “The alarm was raised quite quickly and we believe the fire was started between 4.45 and 5.05 am.”

Officers revealed yesterday one of the fire-raisers burned his jacket and may also have suffered burns to his upper torso and face.

Police have been carrying out inquiries at hospitals and other medical centres to see if anyone has sought treatment for flash burn injuries and they are continuing to interview people in Broughty Ferry who may have been in the area at the time.

Detective Inspector Willie Semple said today, “We had officers out throughout the night to talk to local members of the public who would have been out around the time, like delivery drivers.

“There is a forensic investigation going on as well. We searched a considerable area and recovered items that were taken from the restaurant.”

DI Semple added, “We are quite pleased about the information that has come forward but we are still looking for anybody who has information to come forward and speak to us at CID on Dundee 223200.

“They can also phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

The men responsible for starting the blaze wore dark coloured jackets and jeans as well as dark coloured headgear, possibly woollen.

One was wearing white training shoes and the other — who injured himself in the attack —wore black shoes.

They fled over a wall onto the railway line at the back of the restaurant.