THIS is the shocking moment an alleged “arsonist” set a car ablaze before fleeing – as a massive fireball engulfed a driveway and spread to a nearby home.
The incident happened on Gainsborough Drive, Northfleet, shortly after 7am on Friday October 3, when homeowner Aaron Dhillon discovered his BMW M5 on fire outside his house.
Doorbell footage shared with KentOnline shows a hooded figure running from the scene as the vehicle bursts into flames.
Within seconds, the blaze grows into a fireball, lighting up the driveway before spreading to the front of the house.
Aaron said: “We were asleep and did not hear anything.
“I just randomly woke up, and so did my aunt, who then came to find me, as we saw the fire.
“We ran outside, and I went back in to get the dog. It was pretty shocking.
“We were just watching everything burn. It was so brazen.
“It was done while people were out walking their dogs and getting ready for work.”
As the flames took hold, they melted the window frames and ignited the front room curtains.
Aaron said: “It melted the plastic and caught hold of the curtains.
“The front room is totally destroyed, and there is smoke damage everywhere else.”
Two fire engines and police officers were called to the scene.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus battled the blaze using hose reels and later ventilated the home to clear thick smoke.
The driveway was taped off while investigations took place.
Aaron, 36, added: “We cannot live there now and are in hotels. We have nothing.
“Most nights I sleep in the front room, so it is lucky I was not in there when it spread.
“All my neighbours came out to help and gave me some clothes as I had nothing. Everyone was out and trying to help.”
The homeowner, who has lived at the property for 11 years, said he believes it was a deliberate and targeted attack.
“Nothing like this has ever happened in the area,” he added.
The fire has left the house uninhabitable, with severe damage to the front room and smoke throughout the property.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service confirmed crews used positive pressure ventilation to clear smoke, while Kent Police launched an arson investigation.
Officers have since arrested a 35-year-old man from Gravesend on suspicion of arson endangering life.
He has been released on bail pending further enquiries.
The cause of the blaze is being treated as suspicious, and police are appealing for information.
Anyone who saw what happened or has relevant footage should contact Kent Police on 01474 366149, quoting reference 46/171138/25.
