Security vision has captured an arsonist almost setting himself alight as he tried to torch a home while a family was inside.

The family escaped without injury from what Queensland Police say appeared to be a targeted attack at a home in Brisbane’s south last month.

However, it is not known why the home was targeted.

Police are now asking for help in identifying the arsonist, releasing CCTV footage which shows a man dressed head to toe in black and wearing a balaclava arriving at a home on Washington Pl in Stretton about 8.50pm on March 31.

The man can be seen jumping over the fence before repeatedly hitting the window of an Audi parked in the driveway.

He then goes over to a window at the front of the home, pours what appears to be fuel inside and sets it alight — almost setting himself on fire in the process.

He then jumps a fence and flees.

The fire was quickly extinguished and caused only limited damage to the home, and police said everyone inside was accounted for with no reported injuries.

After several weeks of searching for the offender without success, police have now released the CCTV in the hope someone has information or recognises the person in the vision.

Authorities are urging anyone who may have information or recognises the man to come forward immediately.