Police have arrested a 25-year-old man after he allegedly attempted to set fire to a service station in Timber Creek.

Senior Sergeant Kylie Proctor said the offender approached the fuel pump and held the nozzle in one hand and a lighter in the other hand yesterday at around 7:30pm.

“He has pumped a small amount of fuel from the bowser before allegedly attempting to ignite the lighter.

“If not for the quick actions of the road house staff hitting the emergency fuel shut off this could have ended in disaster.

The man has been charged with attempted arson, disorderly behaviour in a public place and stealing.

He was remanded in custody to appear at the Katherine CSJ later today.