An arsonist has been captured torching a car in dramatic CCTV released by police in a bid to identify the offender.

The footage shows the culprit walk up to the Vauxhall Astra in Kilburn Road, Stockton, Teeside, in the early hours of the morning and douse the vehicle in liquid.

A large flash can then be seen as the car is set alight, causing thousands of pounds of damage.

A blast of light as the car is set on fire Credit: Cleveland Police

The offender then runs away from the scene.

Cleveland Police are appealing for anyone who may know the identity of the person in the footage or anyone who may have witnessed the incident, which took place at around 3.30am on January 24, to contact the force.

The offender can be seen running away from the scene Credit: Cleveland Police

A 43-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson. Both remain on bail pending further enquiries, a force spokesperson said.

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