DRAMATIC footage of arsonists deliberately torching a car and almost setting fire to a house has been released by police.

Detectives have launched an arson probe following the explosion which left a family "lucky to be alive".

Police said they are linking yesterday's arson attack to a crash involving the same car on Good Friday.

The latest incident happened at 3am yesterday in Walter Street, Brierfield, when two men poured accelerant on a Blue Vauxhall Mokka parked outside a bungalow and set the vehicle alight.

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They then ran off from the area along the side of Walter Street Primary School.

The blaze spread to the house causing damage to the garage and the side of the house.

Police said the occupants were able to escape and the blaze was put out by firefighters.

Detectives are investigating whether it is linked to the crash at around 2pm on April 14 in Walter Street when a white 66 plate BMW M4 was involved in a crash with the Mokka but left the scene.

Detective Constable Mick Smith said: “This was a truly shocking incident and it is lucky that no one was seriously hurt.

"Not only was the car extensively damaged, the gas inlet to the property was burnt through and we have been told that a serious gas explosion was only narrowly avoided.

"We are treating this very seriously and so I would urge anyone who may recognise these men or who know anything that may help us with our investigation to get in touch.”

Any information contact Burnley CID on 01282 471715 or 101 quoting incident reference 127 of April 20th.