A HOODED suspect was caught on camera setting a car alight in the driveway of an Auchinleck house in the middle of the night.

The CCTV footage, which has been shared online by a security firm, shows the culprit quickly preparing the blaze, with only his eyes visible through clothing which covers the rest of his face.

After pouring an accelerant over the bonnet of the vehicle, he sets it on fire causing a huge ball of flames and makes his escape with the car turned into a flaming inferno.

It later emerged that the occupants of the house, in Cameron Drive, had only installed the security equipment a few weeks ago.

Extensive forensic investigations took place at the scene as shocked neighbours surveyed the car which was left a virtual shell after the attack.

Detectives at Kilmarnock are continuing enquiries and appealing for information following the attack during the early hours of Saturday morning.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Kirsty McKie, said: “Luckily no one was injured during this incident — we are conducting enquiries in the area including a review of CCTV and conducting door to door enquiries. We are keen to speak with a man wearing a grey tracksuit seen in the area at the time. “

“I would appeal to anyone who witnessed this incident, or anyone who may have seen someone acting suspiciously in the local area to contact us by calling 101 and quoting incident reference number 0642 of April 7.

“Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”

Cumnock Police confirmed that they were called to the incident at around 3.30am on Saturday, April 7.

A spokesman said: “Officers received reports of a car on fire in Cameron Drive, Auchinleck.

“Police attended alongside colleagues from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the fire was extinguished however has resulted in extensive damage to the Subaru Impreza vehicle.”