A police officer has suffered burns in a firebomb scare during an arrest in Perth’s east.

The terrifying ordeal was captured on bodycam as a 47-year-old man was also engulfed in flames after allegedly lighting a jerry can of petrol on fire.

Police responded to a man with a lighter and a jerry can of petrol allegedly threatening the public in Victoria Square about midday yesterday.

Officers attempted to approach the man, with police pouncing before a fireball erupted.

Police say the 47-year-old ignited a wick placed inside the jerry can.

A 30-year-old constable received minor burns to his arm and was taken to Royal Perth Hospital.

The accused suffered superficial burns.

The 47-year-old from Broome has been charged with a string of offences, including endangering life and criminal damage by fire, and will face a magistrate next month.