A NEIGHBOURHOOD has been left in “total shock” after an arsonist set fire to cars in their street in the middle of the night.

The victims of the attack had been sleeping at their home in Valley Avenue in Woolfold when were awakened just after midnight on Monday by their neighbours shouting “fire”.

After looking out into the street from their window they saw their son’s and their next door neighbour’s cars in flames.

CCTV footage captured by a camera on their home shows the appalling moments in which the arsonist struck.

In the video a man can be seen throwing petrol over both vehicles before igniting them in a terrifying inferno.

The victim told the Bury Times: “ We are in total shock at present and my neighbour's house has also suffered damage. My neighbours were trapped in the house with their two young children."

The incident has been reported to the police who are currently investigating the attack. However, no one has yet been arrested, Greater Manchester Police(GMP) confirmed.

In a statement, a GMP spokesman added: "At around midnight on Monday March 16, 2020, police were called to reports of an arson attack on Valley Avenue, Tottington.

"Emergency services attended and established that a man had caused significant damage to several vehicles by setting them on fire.

"An investigation is underway. No arrests have been made.

"Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 8152 quoting 36 of 16/03/2020. Information can also be passed to the independent charity – Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.