Chilling CCTV footage shows suspect run away as car torched in arson attack

A family in Leeds had a lucky escape after their car was set on fire just metres away from their home.
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It happened on Winthorpe Crescent in Thorpe, south Leeds, in the early hours of Monday, June 1.

A silver Vauxhall car, parked on the driveway at the family's home, was torched in a suspected arson attack.

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Chilling CCTV footage shows a male suspect approach the car before running away as it bursts into flames.

The car was torched on the driveway just metres away from the family's homeThe car was torched on the driveway just metres away from the family's home
The car was torched on the driveway just metres away from the family's home

A 64-year-old woman and her 12-year-old grandson were inside the house at the time of the attack but managed to escape without injury.

The victim's daughter, Sam Walker, said: "The suspect walked through a neighbour's garden, walked over the road, down the side of my mums car he then cut the fuel line and set the petrol alight.

"Police and fire service believe my mum, my 12-year-old son and her dog were really lucky to have got out without injury. My mum and my son are very shook up.

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"We don't know why anyone would want to hurt my mum or even attack her car.

The silver Vauxhall car was left a shellThe silver Vauxhall car was left a shell
The silver Vauxhall car was left a shell

"We would like to thank all the neighbours that came out to try put the fire out and West Yorkshire Fire crews in Rothwell for their quick response."

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police confirmed they were called to the scene just after 1am.

Officers are investigating the incident which has been recorded as arson.

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Sam added: "The culprit will have stunk of petrol so if someone you know came home after midnight and stunk of petrol please please don’t protect them."

Anyone with information about what took took place is asked to contact the Leeds South Neighborhood Policing Team on 101 referencing crime number 13200272275.

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