An arsonist attacked a house in West Sussex while the owners lay asleep.

Leonard and Cynthia Lee were in bed when somebody broke into the garage at the side of their home in East Preston, near Littlehampton, and set fire to their car.

Mr Lee, 76, rushed downstairs to find his home filled with smoke and his BMW blazing.

Mr Lee, of The Street, said: "The flames had risen and were very close to the window where we were sleeping.

"I had filled the car with petrol the night before and I think if the fire had been left much longer, the petrol tank would have exploded. Then I believe the damage would have been catastrophic."

Detective Constable Dave Dowell said he believed the blaze was started deliberately. Officers are still unsure whether the fire was the result of a bungled burglary.

Mr Lee said: "I really cannot understand why somebody would do this to us.

"As far as I am aware, I don't think there is anyone with a grudge against me or my wife.

"There are a lot of strange people around, though, and all I can think is that it was somebody who gets a kick out of doing this sort of thing.

"It really is a sad state of affairs when people can't be left to live in peace.

"A window has been smashed, so it is possible the person was looking for something to steal.

"It seems when they didn't find anything of value they decided to set fire to my car instead."