A couple had a lucky escape after someone tried to set light to their camper van with them inside.

The terrifying incident happened while the pair were parked at a beauty spot car park near Whiteways Lodge in Arundel.

As they sat in the van, there was a knock at the window and a man asked them if they wanted sex.

The couple did not see the man but told him to go away.

Then, about five minutes later, they noticed a bright light from outside.

When they went to investigate, they saw a flame burning along a line of fuel towards their van.

They managed to stamp out the flame as it came towards the vehicle and then realised that the line of fuel led to its gas bottle.

The van was undamaged and the couple were able to drive away.

Sgt Peter Allan of Littlehampton Police said: “This was a particularly nasty and motiveless, as well as potentially dangerous act that could have resulted in extensive damage to the camper van and injury or death to the occupants.

“We are treating this as arson with intent to endanger life.”

Anyone with information about the incident, which happened on April 8, should contact PC Stuart McAdams on 0845 6070999 quoting serial number 2019.