A Mayo man sprinkled petrol in the foyer of his local dole office because his payment was late.

The man had attempted to get his social welfare claim but when an employee told him there was a delay he became furious and proceeded to pour the flammable liquid inside the office.

The man then left the office without ignited the liquid and sat outside until the police arrived at the scene.

He was arrested and held in Ballina police station for questioning.