James Cook nurse left feeling 'unsafe' in own home after Merc doused in petrol and set alight

A nurse has been left devastated after her car was 'doused in petrol and set alight' in a suspected arson attack.

James Cook University Hospital worker Ellie Liddle says she now feels "unsafe" in her Acklam home after her car was torched in the late hours of Monday, January 27. Ellie, 26, was lying in bed when she heard her car alarm go off thinking her Mercedes-Benz CLA had been broken into, however, when she was went to see what the commotion was she was met by a raging fire.

The Merc - which was only bought in June last year and had a private reg - was completly destroyed in the blaze. Pictures of the aftermath show melted leather seats and a scotched interior. Ellie told Teesside Live the fire took place between 10.45pm and 10.55pm at Underwood Court, just off Green Lane, in Acklam.

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She said: "I was lying in bed on my phone when I heard a car alarm go off. I thought my car had been broken into, I didn't dare go outside in case they were still there. I just panicked and stood and looked out the window. I saw the car go up in flames from the front driver side. I thought it must have been an electrical fault because I don't have issues with anyone I keep myself to myself.

"The fire service and police came and said there has been petrol poured on the roof and it set on fire. It's so scary you hear of people getting their wheels slashed or their car scraped but it's scary."

'I just feel unsafe'

The 26-year-old said she needs her car for work and now has to rely on her family for lifts. The staff nurse said she has been left feeling "unsafe" after the incident and has been struggling to sleep and eat, she said: "I haven't slept or ate for the last two days because I just feel unsafe.

"People are asking me if I've upset someone but everyone who knows me knows I wouldn't do that. Even in school and college I've never had any issues with anyone. It's just awful."

Ellie said she was asked the property managers for CCTV and says police have also requested footage.

A Cleveland Police spokesperson said: "Police were alerted to a vehicle fire on Underwood Court in Middlesbrough around 10:55pm on Monday, January 27. Cleveland Fire Brigade colleagues confirmed that the fire was deliberate and enquiries are ongoing."

A fire spokesperson added: “Cleveland Fire Brigade were called on 27/01/2025 at 22:55 to an incident at Underwood Court, Green Lane, Acklam. Two fire engines in attendance from Middlesbrough. This was a deliberate vehicle fire, one breathing apparatus and hose reel used. Crews had left the scene by 23:27.”

Anyone who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the area around the time of the incident or anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage, is asked to call Cleveland Police on 101 quoting reference number 015745.

Independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted online at crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800555111.

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