A car was ‘dumped’ and set alight next to houses on a residential street.
Police said the Renault Clio’s windows were reportedly smashed before the car was deliberately torched and abandoned by arsonists.
The incident, at 11.30pm on Sunday evening on Charwood Street, St Helens was captured in dramatic pictures taken by a neighbour.
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The photos show the small car engulfed in flames as firefighters rushed to the scene to tackle the blaze.
A witness to the fire said they were alerted when they saw flames outside their window.
They said: “I didnt see anyone, but I saw the flames outside my window and we thought it was our car on fire.
“We looked outside and the car was engulfed in flames, so we rang the fire brigade.
“It looked dumped as it went up within five or 10 minutes of being parked there and isnt from around our street.”
Firefighters were sent to out to tackle a blaze after a Renault Clio was ‘dumped’ and deliberately set alight on Charwood Street, St Helens on Sunday night
Police are currently investigating and want to speak to anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage that may have recorded events leading up to the blaze.
A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: “At around 11.30pm, it was reported that the windows of a Renault Clio had been smashed, before it was set alight a short time later on Charnwood Street.
Firefighters work to put out car engulfed in flames on residential street
“Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service attended and extinguished the fire, and police were later informed.
“CCTV, forensic and witness enquiries are underway and anyone with information is asked to get in touch.”
Detective Inspector Jackie Guinness said: “An investigation is ongoing after a car was set alight in St Helens last night and we are keen to speak to anyone with information.
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If you witnessed the incident or saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area, please let us know. Likewise, if you have any CCTV or dashcam footage that could assist with the investigation, please let us know so we can take action and find those responsible.
Anyone with information is asked to contact @MerPolCC with reference 20000726746 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Firefighters rushed to the scene as Renault Clio deliberately set alight near family homes
