A FAMILY has spoken of their shock after their two vehicles were engulfed in flames in the early hours of the morning while they were asleep.

Ayub Nadat and his wife were awoken to the sound of "loud bangs" coming from outside.

Their family car, a silver Jaguar F-Pace which retails from £35,720, and their son's rental car, a turquoise Ford Fiesta, were both ablaze on the driveway.

Mr Ayub Nadat, aged 53, said: "I opened the blinds and could see the fire. I did not want it to reach the house. I knew I needed to get the fire brigade here.

"I was wondering how it had happened. I do not know of anyone who would do this."

The Bolton News: The car fire in Newstead Drive, BoltonThe car fire in Newstead Drive, Bolton

The three family members, which also included the couple's 26-year-old son, were awoken by a neighbour who telephoned them shortly after 1.15am on Sunday.

Mr Nadat, a former pharmaceuticals manager, said he called the fire service to their home in Newstead Drive, Hulton, at 1.22am and crews had arrived by 1.28am.

One crew from Bolton Central Fire Station attended.

He said: "I would like to thank them for their very quick response and for stopping it from spreading to our home. I also want to thank our neighbours who have been very kind.

"Luckily the fire did not spread to my wife's car and did not escalate further or affect the house."

Mr Nadat said their car was insured.

Both vehicle interiors were completed gutted by the fire, and the heat had caused the family's front window to shatter as well as melting the guttering.

The Bolton News: The Jaguar F-Pace in Newstead Drive was destroyed by fireThe Jaguar F-Pace in Newstead Drive was destroyed by fire

A 15-year-old girl who lives nearby was among the first to notice the incident.

Saalikah Rehman said: "I heard three big bangs and thought they were fireworks but they sounded really close. I saw a bright orange light outside and realised there was a huge fire. It looked like a bonfire. Our neighbour's car bonnet was in flames. I ran to wake my mum up and she phoned them."

Her 13-year-old sister Labeebah, said she had "helped prevent the fire from spreading further" and "possibly even saved the family's lives."

Their mother Nazish said: "It is scary. If Saalikah had not been awake, it could have been even worse."

It is believed the fire started in the family’s silver Jaguar F-PACE, which they have had for four years.

Mr Nadat's wife, who did not want to be named, said: "I'm really shocked. I could not even bring myself to look at it last night. I am struggling to process what has happened.

"We have lived here for 14 years and never had anything like this before."

Crews used two hose reels and breathing apparatus to respond to the blaze. They remained at the scene for just over one hour.

Police are also understood to have attended. The cause of the fire is believed to be under investigation.

Greater Manchester Police have been approached for comment.