SHOCKING film footage of the moment arsonists torched a caravan while a teenage girl was sleeping inside has been released in a bid to bring the arsonists firebugs to justice.

The 14-year-old girl was lucky to escape alive after the horrific attack in Humber Avenue, Jaywick.

The victim was asleep in the caravan at the time of the fire, just after 2am on Thursday, September 20.

She managed to escape from the inferno but suffered serious burns as the caravan erupted into a fireball.

The teenager was rushed to hospital for treatment and is now said to be recovering well from her injuries.

Her family have given the police permission to share footage of the moment the caravan was engulfed by flames on YouTube a month after the attack took place.

The grainy CCTV footage shows someone walk up to the caravan and bend down next to it.

A moment later it bursts into flames and the person walks calmly away, carrying what appears to be a petrol can.

As the caravan explodes, the terrified teenager can be seen running into the street to escape from the deadly inferno.

Det Insp Gary Biddle, of Clacton CID, said: “Today, people in Jaywick will see officers in and around the Humber Avenue area, as we continue our investigation into this awful incident.

“A young girl was seriously injured and she narrowly escaped with her life.

“We ask that witnesses or anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area around the time of the incident, contacts us.”

Officers attended the scene of the arson attack, along with Essex County Fire and Rescue and the East of England Ambulance Service.

A 15-year-old boy from Clacton was later arrested on suspicion of arson.
The youth was released on bail and has since been rebailed to November 26.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Clacton CID on 101, quoting reference 42/136596/18.

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.