Four cars worth over £80,000 were torched by an arsonist at a showroom by mistake, the devastated owners think.
CCTV footage showed the masked attacker pouring fuel over the front of the motors which were parked on a forecourt.
They then erupted in flames after the man lit the fuel and left.
The vehicles, worth around £20,000 each, were destroyed in the blaze.
It happened around 11.45pm at CG Motorland, Leicester, on Sunday, (18 Jan).
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service fought the blaze.
And Leicestershire Police is investigating whether it is linked to a previous fire at a neighbouring business.
The owners think it may have been a case of mistaken identity, as reported by, Need To Know.
And have no idea why they were targeted.
A CG Motorland spokesperson said: “The incident appears to be a case of mistaken identity.
“The intended target was likely a nearby car wash.
“It is probable that the individual incorrectly assumed our showroom was part of the car wash.”
The company said it would be left badly out of pocket as insurance firms would only pay for the trade value of the lost vehicles, not their final sale value.
There was also extensive damage to the site, with barriers, tarmac, fascia boards, and signage partially melted.
The spokesperson added: “We are currently working with authorities and appreciate customers’ patience as we process this senseless act.
“We want to thank the emergency services very much,
“We really appreciate it, the police and fire department were down there so fast.”
A Leicestershire Police spokesperson said: “Shortly after 10.45pm on Sunday police were called to premises in Aylestone Road by Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service.
“It was reported by the fire service that four cars on a forecourt were alight.
“An investigation into the incident is continuing.
“No arrests have been made at this time.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police, quoting incident 636 of 18 January.
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