Car arson attacker caught on camera
SHOCKING footage has been released, showing a man setting fire to a car parked outside an Ormskirk family home.
CCTV images released by Lancashire police show a man running across a pub car park, approaching the driveway of a house in Yew Tree Road and torching the car.
The family, including two children, were inside the home at the time of the attack. No injuries were reported.
Paul Ponting was at home with his family when the attack took place on March 9 .
Footage from that night shows a light Vauxhall Astra pulling up in Grimshaw Lane at about 12.25am.
One man can be seen leaving the vehicle and running across a pub car park and before reaching the driveway of a property in Yew Tree Road.
Accelerant was poured over the bonnet of a Volkswagen Up and ignited before the man ran back to his car and drove off.
The front of the vehicle was destroyed, with heat from the blaze also damaging a Citroen parked beside it.
Fire crews attended the scene and the fire was quickly extinguished.
Detectives are appealing for information and are particularly keen to speak to anyone who recognises this man in connection with their inquiries.
Det Sgt Stephen Monk said: “We have launched an investigation following an arson attack at an address in Ormskirk.
“The occupants, including two children, were inside at the time of the fire and have been left extremely upset and shaken up by this incident.
“We believe this is an isolated attack and are particularly keen to speak to this individual, pictured. He has a distinctive run and we believe someone may know who it is.
“Following inquiries, we believe the vehicle used by the offender is a light coloured Vauxhall Astra registered between 1998 and 2001.
“If you saw this vehicle, or anyone acting suspiciously in the area around the time of the offence, please contact us.”
Anyone with information can call police on 101, quoting crime reference SB1700895, or conact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or online at www. crimestoppers-uk.org