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This is the moment an arsonist set fire to a synagogue - but ensured an instant comeuppance.

Tristan Morgan, 51, was caught on camera pouring petrol on the religious building and set it alight.

But he is then seen taking the full blast of the explosion in his face in central Exeter, Devon.

The white supremacist was given an indefinite hospital order at the Old Bailey in London today.

He pleaded guilty to arson and two charges under the Terrorism Act, Plymouth Live says.

The footage, played in court, shows Morgan splash fuel through a window at Exeter Synagogue and, despite getting engulf in flames, he calmly walks away.

Morgan pats his singed head and drives off in a Mercedes Vito van.

(Image: Plymouth Herald WS)

The Old Bailey heard the defendant carried out the anti-semitic attack on July 21, 2018 - a date that coincided with a Jewish fast day commemorating disasters, including the Holocaust.

The far-right extremist with "deep-rooted anti-Semitic beliefs" laughed after he set fire to a historic synagogue, the judge was told.

Superintendent Matt Lawler, the Local Policing Commander for Exeter, East & Mid Devon said it was 'sheer chance' nobody was worshiping in the building at the time.

"Morgan is clearly very unwell and following multiple detailed medical assessments it is clear that a hospital order is appropriate. He will be subject of further assessments and close monitoring for many years to come," he said.

(Image: Plymouth Herald WS) (Image: Plymouth Herald WS)

"The footage, which was played in open court, shows the level of planning, determination and intent by Morgan, whom the wider evidence clearly showed held abhorrent extreme right-wing, anti-Semitic, and white supremacist views. It is only by sheer chance that the synagogue was empty and indeed that Morgan himself sustained only minor burns."

Following a joint investigation by local officers and Counter Terrorism Policing South West working with the special cases unit of the Crime Prosecution Service (CPS), Morgan was charged with collecting information and encouraging terrorism.

And Morgan, of no fixed abode, will be subject of long-term monitoring by the police and partners if he's ever released.

(Image: PA)

Alistair Richardson, prosecuting, said Morgan made songs "exhorting others to violence" against the Jewish community and had an array of material that "revelled in the degenerate views of Nazi Germany and white supremacists".

He said: "He appeared to be laughing, while trying to flatten his hair, which she described as looking like it had been 'whooshed up'."

As he was put in a police van, Morgan said: "Please tell me that synagogue is burning to the ground, if not, it's poor preparation."

Later, as his burns were being treated in hospital, he told staff "it was like a bomb going off".

The synagogue, built in 1763, is the third oldest in Britain and remains a focal point for the Jewish community in the south-west.

President of the Synagogue, Mr Richard Halsey said: “We sincerely thank the local police for their brilliant response and for their thorough investigation and support since the traumatic events of last year.

“In particular we wish to highlight how the community of Exeter has come together to demonstrate the genuine positivity in our city. We live in a wonderful place that has demonstrated tolerance and support for each other at times of need, and the whole Jewish community sincerely appreciates the support we have had from all faiths here in Exeter.

“In October we were thankfully able to return our services to the Synagogue, and in April this year we celebrated a wonderful re-dedication service.

“We are now back in our home, and it is as special as it has always been.”