AN ASIAN family has been temporarily re-housed for their safety after a terrifying late night arson attack destroyed both of their cars.

Police say that although no one was harmed during the incident there was an obvious 'intention' to do so.

Both a Toyota Carina, which was parked outside the property, and a Nissan Micra Hatchback, in the family's garage in Park Mead, South Harrow, were extensively damaged by a fire which is believed to have been started with a petrol can at 2am on Saturday, November 24. The Toyota was totally destroyed, a police spokesman said.

He added that the Serious Crime Unit has been called in to deal with the case and is appealing for witnesses.

"The victims have been moved to a hotel for their own safety. We don't really have a motive for this arson attack at the moment but it might possibly have been the work of someone who has fallen out with the family," he said.

A group of black or Asian youths were seen in the area at the time of the incident. Information to DC Ben Warriss on 8733 4348.