This is the terrifying moment a dad drove his burning van away from his home to protect his family after an arson attack.
Maurice Barnes was woken up by his 12-year-old son in the middle of the night after he spotted sparks outside the window.
He looked out and saw his Citroen Picasso engulfed in flames, and the fire had also spread to his Renault Trafic van.
Fearing that the blaze would spread to his home, putting his two children at risk, Maurice jumped into his burning van and drove it away from the property.
Emergency services then arrived at the scene.
It later transpired there had been a spate of arson attacks in Blyth that night, with beach huts along the coast also being damaged.
Northumbria Police and the Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service are investigating the incidents which took place between 11pm and 2am on Thursday night.
Maurice, 53, of Grenville Road, said: "My son came running into my room and said he saw sparks going past the window.
"I looked out the window and we could see flames lapping into the vehicles. It was like an inferno.
"I jumped up, grabbed the van keys and went out. I got into the van, which was on fire, and just drove it away from our home.
"All I could think of was moving the van away. It was right in front of the house. If it had stayed there, the fire would have spread and my home would have been burnt down."
The blaze caused major damage to his vehicles as well as the front of his property. However, no-one was injured.
"Things could have been much worse," said Maurice. "I'm just glad no-one was hurt.
"I hope the police are able to find whoever is responsible for this. The next time, they could take someone's life."
Police are appealing for witnesses to the arson attacks. Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting reference 1125 160120 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
