A car exploded in a residential Halesowen street last night - in what police have confirmed is a suspected arson attack.

The vehicle went up in flames in Laurel Lane just before 9pm damaging the windows of several homes on the street.

Local resident Wayne Aston said: "I heard three loud bangs which shook the house.

"I ran over to the car which was only over the road.

"The fire crew was fast on the scene.

"Lots of people are shocked."

A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "Police are investigating an arson attack in Laurel Lane, Halesowen shortly before 9pm last night.

"It is believed a car was set on fire, before it exploded damaging several windows on the street.

"Fortunately no-one was injured."

Resident Sally Hutchinson said: "I live opposite it.

"Luckily all the glass that blew out the windows missed our drive and vehicles.

"The noise was terrifying, I hope I never see anything like it again.

"The flames were very quickly several feet in the air.

"The car had its back windscreen smashed at some stage over the weekend and was still there this morning (Tuesday)."

Anyone with information can contact police, quoting log number 28/01 via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, or by calling 101 anytime or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.