A Mercedes was "petrol bombed" in what neighbours claim is the latest chapter in an ongoing feud.
Shattered glass still surrounds the scorched car, which went up in flames in Gateshead in the early hours of Monday.
Families say they woke in darkness to the sight of flames and the sound of explosions following what police believe was a suspected arson attack.
"There was just this huge bang," said one neighbour on the Bensham street where the drama unfolded.
"We heard this explosion and it was so loud it shook my windows at about 4.30am.
"Shortly afterwards, there was a second explosion and at this point we called the fire brigade.
"They had thrown some kind of petrol bomb and it just went straight up.
"It was insane, and even now you can still smell the petrol - it absolutely stinks."
Nobody was injured in the fire, which happened on Woodbine Street near Coatsworth Road. It is understood the incident is thought to be linked to an ongoing feud.
One neighbour, who also asked not to be identified, claimed there had "been some trouble" which involved bricks being smashed through windows.
ChronicleLive attempted to contact the person believed to be the car's owner but received no reply.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “At 4.41am Tuesday, police received a report of a vehicle fire on Woodbine Street, Gateshead.
“Emergency services attended and the fire was extinguished. Nobody was injured.
“Officers are currently treating the fire as suspected arson and enquiries are ongoing.
"Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 117 170919 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
