CCTV footage has captured the moment a car was purposely set alight in Beckton.

Newham Recorder: CCTV footage shows a motorcyclist dressed in grey approach the car and throw something into the back. Picture: Newham People's AllianceCCTV footage shows a motorcyclist dressed in grey approach the car and throw something into the back. Picture: Newham People's Alliance (Image: Archant)

At about 11.30pm on Monday, a Range Rover in Bellflower Close was set on fire while sat on the drive.

Footage shows a motorcyclist dressed in grey pull up to the car on a bike, put something through the back windshield and drive off rapidly as the car sets alight.

A neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, was woken up by his son who saw the car alight through his bedroom window.

“My son banged on my bedroom wall and said the neighbour’s car was on fire,” he said.

“I saw flames and went outside.

“By the time I got outside the fire had been put out by another neighbour who had an extinguisher.”

The car wasn’t completely burnt, but there was significant smoke damage to the back. The owner was a single mum, who lives at the house with her two teenage sons.

“I asked her whether she’d had any road rage incidents that day,” her concerned neighbour said.

“She’s a single mum who keeps herself to herself. Her kids don’t mix up with gangs, they’re quite shy and gentle boys.

“She has no idea why they would have done it, she’s a very private and quiet individual.”

Her neighbour said the incident could have been a case of mistaken identity.

“Two different neighbours have been having issues,” he said.

“They’ve been squabbling over petty things. It could be to do with them – either that or it could be an angry ex.”

The neighbour, who installed the CCTV on the victim’s house after installing cameras on his own, claims another car was set on fire about six weeks ago. He also has two german shepherds and a camera on his front gate for extra security.

“I’ve been living here for 30 years, since the houses were built,” he said.

“We have never had any issues. I’m very close with my neighbours, we’re like a family.

“It doesn’t worry me about living here.”

A spokesman from the London Fire Brigade said they were called at 23.38pm to reports of a car alight. It was dealt with within 10 minutes, and the police were also requested.