These are the dramatic moments a car burst into flames after being torched by arsonists.

The stunning footage was caught on camera by teenager Clayton Laidlaw, who was eating his dinner when he saw a bright light outside his home and ran outside to see what was going on.

Clayton, 19, said: “I noticed a big flash, then bright light from the fire, I smelt smoke so ran outside to see what was going on.

Video: The amazing footage shows a tail of flames coming from the car

“One of my neighbours had already called the fire brigade, they responded pretty quickly.

“I felt shocked and I was worried as the fire from the petrol was nearly reaching my car.”

Fuel from the blazing Peugeot 306 leaked as the flames took hold and a line of fire could be seen inching along the street.

The incident happened in Haymen Street, Chatham, at around 9pm, last Friday, April 21, but the footage has only just come to light.

Quick-thinking Clayton, who works in construction, then ran to his car to move it before the fire spread to his vehicle.

Luckily he got behind the wheel and was able to move his Corsa before the flames spread to his vehicle.

The flames did reach part of one of his tyres.

He added: “I moved my car to the end of the road just as the fire reached my wheel and burnt it.”

Crews from Kent Fire and Rescue Service, were called out to put out the burning vehicle and spent about 45 minutes dowsing down the flames.

A spokesman said: “The crew were required to use a jet hose to put the fire out and they left the scene at around 10:42pm.”

The car was totally destroyed by the blaze.

People living in the street said they heard the sound of a car ignition turning over and then a woman screaming and shouting in a panicked voice.

The incident is being treated a suspicious and police are investigating.

No arrests have been made at this stage.

A spokesman added: “Kent Police is investigating a reported arson in Haymen St, Chatham where a Peugeot 307 car was damaged by fire between 10pm and 10.30pm."

Police are urging anyone with information to contact them on 01634 792209 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.