An arsonist is being hunted for setting fire to a car on a residential street.

Police said a ‘youth’ approached a silver Renault Megane with a red petrol cannister and poured accelerant over the bonnet before setting it alight.

The offender is described as between 5ft 8ins and 5ft 10ins tall, slim build and wearing dark clothing.

Firefighters and police were called to Edinburgh Drive in Oswaldtwistle at around 9pm on Wednesday, March 11.

Lee Cook, watch manager at Hyndburn fire station, said: “The engine compartment was well alight when we arrived and it’s believed to be suspicious.

“We spoke to the owner and she said she saw somebody around the front of the vehicle with what appeared to be a petrol can and pourer. She then saw flames and somebody running away.

“We were there for 30 minutes and hose reels to put out the fire.”

Police said they are treating the incident as arson without intent to endanger life.

A spokesperson said: “An unknown offender approached the locked vehicle and poured accelerant over the bonnet and set it alight.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting log number 1239 of March 11.