A BABY has had a lucky escape after a car it was left in was set on fire at around 8pm yesterday.

The mother of the 18-month-old had left her son in the car on the drive-way of her home in Badsey Road, Willersey, while she took two of her children inside the house.

Moments later she returned to find the car alight with her child still inside.

The family extinguished the fire and the baby was unharmed.

Gloucestershire Police have now launched an investigation into the incident which they are treating as arson.

Detective Chief Inspector Richard Cooper said: “This was an incredibly distressing incident for the family and we are all thankful that the child got out with no injuries at all.

“There’s a strong possibility that whoever started the fire did not realise the child was still in the vehicle but we are doing all we can to find out who is responsible.

“This appears to be an isolated incident and crimes of this nature are incredibly rare in the area.”

A man was seen running from the area around the time of the incident. It is believed he got into the passenger seat of a white car derived van nearby which, driven by another man, drove away from the scene.

“We would particularly like to speak to these men, or anyone who saw them or the vehicle,” added DCI Cooper. “I’d urge anyone who has any information at all about the incident, no matter how small it might seem, to call our non-emergency number, 101.”

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers via their website www.crimestoppers-uk.org or on 0800 555 111.