CCTV image released as police warn BMW arson attack could have had devastating consequences

Detectives have issued a CCTV still of a suspect as they appealed for the public’s help in identifying the person, who was seen placing something underneath the BMW before setting it on fire.

Firefighters were called out to the blaze in Tudor Road, Acomb, at 45 minutes past midnight today.

North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service said the blaze totally destroyed the BMW, and damaged four other vehicles nearby through heat and smoke, adding: "The cause was deliberate."

North Yorkshire Police said this afternoon that the BMW 3 series was completely destroyed and a Citroen Berlingo and a Mazda were damaged, and the front of a house was also damaged by the fire.

And Detective Sergeant Mark Jackson, of York CID, said the arson took place very close to the house where people were sleeping. "This fire could easily have led to potentially devastating consequences," he said.

“If you recognise the person captured on camera, or saw someone matching their description in the Tudor Road, Gale Lane or Middleton Road areas around the time of the fire, I urge you to contact the police immediately.

“I am also keen to speak to anyone who works at local garages who may have sold fuel to someone filling a petrol can, and ask them to get in touch straight away.”

He said that after the incident, the person responsible headed towards Hamilton Drive.

Anyone who can assist with this investigation should contact York CID on 101, select option 2 and ask for the department by name. Alternatively, information can be emailed to yorkcid@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk, or people can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting reference number 12140177124.

 A local resident, W Hartley, captured these pictures at the height of the fire: