TWO men were seen with a canister shortly before a car fire which spread to a house in Oswestry.

The blaze caused "significant damage" to the front of the property in Lime Grove, and police have now launched an appeal to try to find those responsible.

Emergency crews were called to Lime Grove at around 11.10pm on Tuesday, August 31, where a car was found to be on fire.

One witness, who did not wish to be named, said they had heard an explosion and saw flames at the house. Emergency services were ont he scene quickly, the witness added.

Another witness, who also asked to remain unnamed, added: "I was almost asleep when it happened, I just heard a big bang.

"I initially thought a car had been hit outside or had crashed, but I came outside after hearing it and could see a big gulf of flames.

"After coming round the corner there was a car on fire and covered in flames.

"I shouted to see if anyone was there but didn't hear anything back so called the fire brigade, but they had already been called by several people.

"They turned up and it seemed to get sorted relatively quickly."

Two people inside the property at the time escaped uninjured.

West Mercia Police is appealing for information from anyone who saw two males, one of which holding a canister, walking in Lime Grove between 11pm and 11.15pm.

Any witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage is asked to contact us via our website quoting log number 730i of August 31, 2021.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers either online or by calling 0800 555 111.