Next Door.

Last night at about 9.30 pm, I suddenly heard all this noise.  I went to look out the upstairs window, and saw 2 of the children, next door, come running out of their house, crying and screaming.

I saw somebody get into a small truck, and thought a child must've been hurt, and they were taking them to the hospital.

He started the truck, lit a cigarette, and whoosh the car in the driveway went up in flames.  I could smell petrol, and he must've thrown the cigarette at it.

I tried to phone the fire brigade but for some reason I couldn't get the phone to work, I don't know if I was just panicking.  In the end I rushed downstairs, to see if everyone was alright.

Two men came and asked me for a hosepipe, which I gave them, and people were rushing across the road with buckets of water.

But the fire took hold really quickly, and there were thoughts it might blow up.  The flames were getting close to the house, and there were lots of pops and bangs.

I tried the fire brigade again, and this time I got through.  Luckily, someone else had reported it and they were on their way.

Our road quickly filled up with vehicles, and the police arrived before the firemen.  In the end we had 2 fire engines, an ambulance, and a load of police cars.

The fire was put out before the firemen arrived, and we are extremely grateful for all the people who rallied around.  The house could've burnt down, and so could've ours.

The area became a crime scene, and the police forensic team were here most of the night.

From what we know the father and mother had an argument, which escalated into him pouring petrol over the car and setting light to it.

This family have been renting next door for a year, and we've never even heard them argue before.

The husband has now run away.  The wife and 4 children, can't live in the house as it is full of soot and smoke. Plus, the wife no longer has a car. Luckily, they have a lot of family nearby.

At least everyone got out, including their little dog, and no-one was hurt.

But all this over some stupid argument that got out of control.

I took this blip at 6am.  Later in the day, the mother came back with family and friends to collect some belongings.  Reality hit home, and she was crying.

I saw later a lot more burnt and damaged belongings on the driveway.  So, I think the fire may have got into the garage.

I just hope everything is insured.