A loud explosion was heard as arsonists set fire to a static caravan that had been dumped on a Leeds road moments earlier.
Neighbours came pouring out of their homes on South Parkway in Seacroft yesterday evening to witness the dramatic scene.
A large static caravan, which had not been there earlier in the afternoon, was ablaze in the middle of the residential street.
Chantal Macgregor, who was one of those to dial 999, described what she saw as "frightening".
"I heard a bang," she recalled. "I thought a firework had landed on the floor so went two look out the window and saw a caravan on fire.
"I rang 999 - they already knew about it. Fire crews came as well as police. The caravan is still there now."
Chantal said the caravan must have been dumped there late in the afternoon because it was not there at 4pm.
Two fire crews and three police cars attended the scene.
Police have asked for any witnesses to come forward as they investigate the arson.
A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: "Police are investigating a crime of arson on South Parkway yesterday evening sometime between 5.20pm and 9.20pm.
"Enquiries are ongoing."
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or use the contact us options at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/contactus quoting 13200593584
