Uber driver and family flee home after 'arson attack' in Tipton
A terrified family fled from their Black Country home after a suspected arson attack on their car. The Uber taxi went up in flames directly outside the family home in Tipton.
Zafran Khan and wife Sameena Kausar were awoken by the sound of the blaze, just metres from their front door. Terrified the flames could spread to the house, they grabbed their two kids and got out as fast as they could.
They emerged to find the fierce fire, with the car a ball of flames. Neighbours rushed out to help as they attempted to douse the fire with buckets of water.
Firefighters arrived soon after to put out the fire, with detectives investigating what is thought to be an arson attack, which happened around 2.30am on Thursday on Holcroft Street.
Ms Kausar, 34, told of the moment she feared the flames would spread to the house where her children were sleeping. She said: "Oh my god, I got really scared. We had two kids inside.
"I went by the window and the car was on fire really bad. I was really scared and am still shocked.
"I got out the house; I couldn't do nothing, I was in shock. The next-door neighbour came out with water.
"We thought it could explode, and the house could have gone on fire."
The blaze destroyed the Uber taxi, meaning Mr Khan, 33, won't be able to work until he gets a new car. He added: "I've had no work as I've got no car. I only bought the car three months ago and will need to buy another one."
A West Midlands Police spokeswoman said: "We were called after a car was set on fire outside an address in Holcroft Street, Tipton in the early hours of Thursday morning. CCTV is currently being reviewed and inquiries are ongoing.
"Anyone with information is asked to get in touch via Live Chat quoting 20/665821/22."
