POLICE are hunting for two moped riders after a suspected arson attack destroyed a row of parked cars.
Some residents were trapped as flames licked the front windows of their homes.
Others slept in nearby houses unaware of the potential danger.
She said: "The people whose cars it happened to are the kindest people and don’t deserve this at all.
"My neighbours don’t have an exit around the back of their house so all they could do was watch and hope the flames went out.
"The flames were hitting their windows."
Sussex Police have now said they believe the fire was started deliberately and are treating it as "suspected arson with intent to endanger life".
Five vehicles were destroyed in the fire in Elphick Road, Newhaven, in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The blackened shells of the vehicles were left on the road with several pieces of the cars having been destroyed or melted off.
In some cases car bonnets have been completely burnt through exposing the engine beneath.
Fire crews attended and were fighting the blaze until gone 3am, as well as banging on residents doors to make them aware of the danger.
A Sussex Police spokesman said: "Two moped riders seen where several parked cars went up in flames during the early hours of Saturday morning are being sought by detectives investigating the incident.
"Even more worryingly, flames spread to the frontages of nearby houses in which people were asleep, and consequently this incident is being treated as suspected arson with intent to endanger life.
"Fortunately the fire service was quickly on scene and managed to contain the situation, with no one hurt.
"But it is imperative that we speak to anyone who saw what happened or who may have other information.
"In particular I'd urge the moped riders seen nearby to come forward so that we can eliminate them from our enquiries.
"Anyone able to help should contact Sussex Police online or by dialling 101, quoting serial 192 of 06/10.
"Alternatively, they can pass details anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers, telephone 0800 555 111."
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