Suspicious car fire near sleeping family

The car was only a metre away from where a family were sleeping. Photo / File

Police say a Christchurch family is "extremely lucky" not to be harmed after a car was lit on fire outside their bedroom.

The car, parked on a private driveway on St Johns St in Woolston, was set alight between 1am and 3am on Saturday morning.

Detective Constable Brenda Knight said the vehicle was parked only a metre away from where a family were sleeping.

"The family was alerted by neighbours who discovered the fire. The fire was extinguished by the Fire service and the vehicle was moderately damaged."

"The family was extremely lucky the fire was discovered when it was otherwise it could have resulted in serious injury."

Police are appealing for information from anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the St Johns and St Lukes streets area. People with information should call Detective Sergeant Richard Quested at the Christchurch Central Police Station on 03 3637400.