A mum on holiday with her family when her car went up in flames says the suspected arson attack could have “ended really, really ugly”.
Ana Blanco Ibañez was abroad with her husband and two children when she was told her blue Ford Focus was set on fire at their home in Thanington Road, Canterbury.
After returning home, Ms Ibañez discovered the vehicle was no longer the shiny blue it once was, having been engulfed by a fireball.
With their next-door neighbour also away and suffering damage at the same time, the mum-of-two believes it was a targeted attack.
The 50-year-old explained: “The neighbour’s car next door also suffered a smashed window, and the night before, an alarm was heard going off.
“Like us, they were also on holiday, so how else did they know to attack?
“I think someone was watching and knew we weren’t there, so it makes us scared about what else could happen.
“Luckily, our other car was at the airport – if we had both there, then they both would have been burnt too.
“It’s worrying, and what if the fire went into the property and the neighbours didn’t call someone quick enough? It could have ended really, really ugly.
“We know a neighbour heard loud bangs and saw somebody in a black hoodie who may have been involved.
“So we think someone maybe put oil on the car and then petrol on it before driving off.”
The incident is now being investigated by police, who believe it could have been deliberate.
A spokesperson said: “Kent Police was called at 11.27pm on Wednesday, August 6 following a report of a vehicle on fire.
“Officers attended and the fire was extinguished by Kent Fire and Rescue Service with no reported injuries.
“The fire is being treated as suspicious and anyone with CCTV, dashcam or other information should call Kent Police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/136574/25.”
