6:01pm Wednesday 17th March 2010
TWO women had a lucky escape when an arsonist set fire to a car on the driveway of the house they were sleeping in.
Natalie Bainbridge and her aunt, Tracy Kinder, were forced to flee the house in Ingleby Close, Eston, near Middlesbrough, as the flames started to scorch the property.
Thankfully, Miss Bainbridge's 11-month-old son, Aidan, was not staying at the house at the time of the attack.
Miss Bainbridge is mystified why anyone would target her and set fire to the blue Ford Escort.
She said: "I dont know why they targeted me, the car is my cousin's and he was just parking it there while it was off the road.
"The windows of the car were smashed three weeks ago but I didn't expect anyone to come back and torch it.
"I can't believe anyone would be so reckless to endanger people's lives - me and my son sleep in the bedroom above where the fire was started and I am just relieved that he wasnt at home."
Miss Bainbridge raised the alarm and awoke her aunt, who was staying overnight, before fleeing the property.
The flames caused extensive damage to the car and nearby fencing but caused minimal damage to the property.
The 22-year-old added: "When I awoke, I immediately called the fire brigade and my neighbours had already called them. It is really frightening to think what could have happened if the fire had spread to the house.
"Now, I am really nervous to be in the house on my own now and the slightest noise I am up at the windows checking everything is OK.
"I feel really sorry for my neighbours because the car was right next to their fence and could have spread to their house and they have young children as well."
The arsonist struck at 4.30am on Friday, March 12.
Anyone with information about who is responsible for the blaze is asked to contact PC Kevin Carter at Kirkleatham Police Office on 01642-302626 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/trade_directory/