A DUDLEY mum has told how she and her children have been forced to flee their home after a terrifying arson attack.

The frightening incident happened in Banklands Road, Dudley, at around 12.40am on August 9 – less than 24 hours after masked men were captured on camera damaging the house and taunting the occupier with weapons between 1am and 3am on August 8.

A Honda Jazz car and windows at the property were damaged by fire in the second incident which saw 10 firefighters called out to tackle the flames.

Mum-of-five Sarah Southall, aged 37, told the News she reported the incidents to police but no arrests have been made.

She and her children had been left "petrified" and have since moved out of the council-owned property but they are currently homeless and staying with a relative until they can be rehomed by the council.

West Midlands Police said no-one was injured in the incidents which happened within 24 hours of each other on August 8 and 9 and a spokesman for the force said: “We've viewed CCTV, and carried out other enquiries, but have been unable to positively identify the offenders so far.

“There are currently no active lines of investigation but anyone with information is asked to contact us via Live Chat, or by calling 101. Quote 20DY/187761M.”

Meanwhile – Sarah has released CCTV footage of the incidents to highlight what she has endured.

She said she has been unable to send her children to school since the attacks and they have not received any education since the coronavirus lockdown saw schools closed in March.

The single mum, who told the News her partner passed away four years ago, says she has sought help from Dudley North MP Marco Longhi who said: "This is an awful situation but I am working with the council to find a permanent solution.”

Councillor Laura Taylor, Dudley Council's cabinet member for housing and community services, said the council was aware of the situation and trying to help.

She said: “While we’re unable to comment on the detail of individual cases, we do acknowledge that it is completely unacceptable for anyone to feel forced from their home due to the inappropriate behaviour of others. In these cases we are committed to supporting people to find alternative suitable accommodation and where necessary refer matters to the police.

“In this case, we are already in contact with the tenant and looking at how we can support her to find a new home.”