THESE dramatic images, captured by a quick-thinking onlooker, today reveal the damage caused by an inferno which ripped through a car in Ipswich.

THESE dramatic images, captured by a quick-thinking onlooker, today reveal the damage caused by an inferno which ripped through a car in Ipswich.

Only a burnt out shell remains of a silver Rover which police believe was stolen and set alight in Wimborne Avenue.

Kevin Dye, 45, grabbed his camera and caught the unfolding drama in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Two fire crews, called to the scene at around 4.30am, were quickly joined by police officers, now investigating the theft and arson of the car.

Mr Dye, who made the first emergency call to the fire service, was alerted to the fire when woken by a loud bang. “I heard the sound of an explosion and then a car alarm going off.

“My wife called me to the window and I saw the flames. I was amazed by how ferocious it was.”

The car, which contained computer equipment, is understood to have been stolen from outside the home of a couple living nearby.

The blaze spread to a garden fence surrounding the home of Margaret Ford, who was woken by a neighbour as the fire raged just feet from where she slept.

“The first I knew about it was when I heard this hammering on my front door and my neighbour shouting blue murder,” said Miss Ford.

“It was a bit of an abnormal wakeup call. He told me not to go to the back of the house because he thought the whole thing was going to blow.”

The fire destroyed a section of fence and plants belonging to Miss Ford, who praised the speedy response of the emergency services.

Police have appealed for anyone who has information on those responsible for the theft and arson to come forward and call 01473 613 500 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.