ARSONISTS went on the rampage on an Abergavenny estate, torching cars and terrifying residents.

Three cars on the Llwynu estate were set ablaze within half an hour in the early hours of yesterday, stretching fire service resources to the limit.

Malcolm Ewers, of Llwynu Lane, woke around 2.30am to hear a crackling noise outside, and saw a car belonging to Leanne Warner in flames.

Miss Warner, 20, who is a nurse and a friend of Mr Ewers' son, Gareth, was horrified by the damage caused.

Mr Ewers, aged 54, said: "I was frightened to death. The flames were six foot high. It was a scary experience."

While one of Abergavenny's two fire-engines put out the blaze, the other was tackling a similar incident in Underhill Crescent after the alarm was raised at 2.09am.

The fire brigade was then called to a third car fire in St David's Road at 2.42am.

Mr Ewers said: "It was like something from a war zone. I couldn't believe it."

Dave Llewellyn, of Davies Family Butchers, lives in Hillcrest Road and said he woke up choking.

"We were a fair way from the fires but the wind was blowing the smoke into our bedroom," he said.

A spokeswoman for Gwent Fire Service said the three fires had tied up Abergavenny's retained service.

"It's putting others at risk by diverting the service from where they're needed most," she said.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to contact them on 01873 852273.