Ashford family living in fear of firebombers

The vehicle caught fire and would have been destroyed, but for the quick arrival of firefighters.

It follows on from an incident on Christmas Eve, when lit batteries were shoved through the family's letterbox.

Mrs Sibley, 49, said: "I was in a deep sleep when my husband suddenly started shouting to get out. I couldn't believe it was happening again. Luckily the van is quite sturdy. We had only just got the door replaced that was damaged at Christmas.

"What next? A bomb through the windows? It is absolutely terrifying. I'm back on tranquillisers because I cannot sleep and am living in fear. I can't think why anyone would do this."

She said the first incidents have caused considerable stress, and criticised the police for not offering any protection.

Mrs Sibley added: "My daughter says I should get a panic button and my husband want to move. We just don't know what to do next."

Police confirmed that the arson attack took place between 1.45am and 2.15am on July 7 and said they are appealing for information.

A spokesman said: "The offenders approached a white Renault caravan, which was parked on the driveway of the property, and placed a lit can of petrol under the back of the vehicle.

"The resulting fire caused damage to the back lights of the vehicle but the damage was not extensive and the suspects made no attempt to enter the vehicle or the address. No one was injured as a result of the fire.

"The fire was put out by Surrey Fire and Rescue units and the petrol can has since been seized by Surrey Police for forensic analysis."

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Constable Ian Davies at Staines CID on 0845 125 2222, quoting reference SL/09/5478.

This offence is also being linked to a previous arson incident at the Sibley home at 3am on Christmas Day 2008 when an external door was damaged by fire. No one was injured during the incident.

Police said the victims were visited by a member of the Ashford Common and Ashford East Safer Neighbourhood Team at the time to provide reassurance and safety advice.