Tumakuru: A masked man threw a petrol bomb at the main entrance of Tomlinson Church on the premises of Union Christian College near Sira Gate in the city at 4.10 am on Thursday.

The CCTV footage of the incident shows that since the masked man could not open the main gate and the small gate, he ended up hurling the petrol bomb inside the premises. No major damage was reported, but a portion of the wall beside the doors has turned black.

Anoka, the sexton (who takes care of the church building), came out of his house, which is close by, when he heard a sound. He put off the fire, collecting water from a tap nearby. Three others residing on the premises helped him bring the blaze under control. As news spread, several members of the community gathered at the church. Deputy Commissioner K?P?Mohan Raj, IGP (central range) Seemanth Kumar Singh, Superintendent of Police Karthik Reddy and DySP Chidanandaswamy visited the spot and analysed the CCTV?footage.

Singh told reporters that five police teams have been formed to nab the suspect. Secretary of the church committee Jai Bhushan said they did not suspect anyone, but sought a speedy investigation.

The 86-year-old church is uniquely designed, bearing resemblance to a Hindu temple.