Express & Star

Family flee home after Audi set alight on driveway in suspected arson

A young family had to flee their home after their £40,000 Audi was torched in a suspected arson attack.

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The dramatic moment when Mr Oakley's car was engulfed in flames

The flames spread to their house forcing Ross Oakley, aged 26, Rhian Bayley 24, and their daughter Scarlett, two, to escape to safety.

Police have opened an investigation into the terrifying blaze which has left them shaken.

Two male suspects are believed to have struck in the early hours of Saturday, doused petrol on the car before setting it alight.

The burnt out car following the suspected arson attack

The shocked couple heard an 'explosion' while in bed inside their home, in Thunderbolt Way, Tipton

They fled through their back door before Rhian and Scarlett had to climb over a neighbour's fence to reach the road.

Mr Oakley, an accountant, told the Express & Star, said: "It could have been so much different had we not heard that bang.

"We might not be here today. My car was just metres away from a gas mains and that could have been a different story.

"We don't know why we were targeted and who did it."

Dramatic pictures show the shocking moments when Ross' car is engulfed in flames at around 12.45am.

The fire damaged Audi

His vehicle was left gutted by the flames with its interior burnt out and charred.

The garage door also suffered damage while the house windows shattered from the flames.

His neighbour's property has also suffered damage.

West Midlands Police has confirmed it is investigating the blaze.

A West Midlands Fire Service spokesman said: "A West Midlands Fire service spokesman said: "It was a severe fire involving private motor vehicle on the driveway of property.

"The fire spread to the house and affected the garage door and some of the windows.

"There was also a little bit of damage to next door's property. It is believed to have been started deliberately."

Mr Oakley told of the terrifying moment he heard the explosion and dashed to the bedroom window.

"Our house is a three-storey building so I went to the first floor where there is a balcony and I saw the back of my car was on fire.

"I shouted up to my partner to get Scarlett and get out.

The burnt out car following the suspected arson attack

"When we went downstairs I heard another explosion from my car and I told my partner to say back."

He went out to the front of the house to the blaze and was joined by a neighbour.

"Rhian and Scarlett were waiting out the back garden and smoke and flames were coming across while the fire service hadn't arrived, so I thought we couldn't wait any longer," he said.

"Me and a neighbour had to jump over four or five fences to reach them and lead them to safety."

Mr Oakley claims CCTV footage captured by his neighbour shows two male suspects pouring petrol on his car before setting it alight.

He claims one of them also set light to their own foot in the process and they had to fight to put out the flames.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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