Arsonist devastates Salisbury East family after damaging car in fire attack

A two-year-old girl was sleeping just metres away when an arsonist destroyed the family car in a heartless attack that prevented the toddler from receiving vital treatment for a tumour.

A two-year-old girl has missed vital treatment for a tumour at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital because a heartless arsonist badly damaged her family’s only car in Adelaide’s north.

Mother-of-four Amy Smith tried to hold back tears on Tuesday as she surveyed the damage to her family’s only vehicle, which was set alight at her home on Balmoral Rd, Salisbury East, about 2.20am - just metres from her sleeping daughter.

“My daughter was asleep in the bedroom just there,” she said.

“My daughter’s sick as well. She’s going through treatment for a tumour. Why would anyone do that to people that have kids.

“I don’t have a car now, that’s my family car.”

Ms Smith said her daughter had missed important treatment at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital because the family had no transport.

Mother Amy Smith begins to cry as she speaks about the attack. Picture: 10 News.

“We’re meant to be in the hospital,” she said.

“I’m very concerned. We’ve moved all the beds out and we were sleeping in the lounge room but my youngest daughter is still in her room in her routine.

“I don’t even want to look at (the Holden Commodore) because it was my pride and joy.”

Ms Smith said she woke to the sound of her car alarm and saw flames underneath the carport.

“(I) ran to a (neighbour’s) house (and) he came with a fire extinguisher,” she said.

The damaged car at Salisbury East. Picture: Ben Harvy.

MFS crews extinguished the blaze but it had already caused extensive damage to the car.

CCTV of the incident shows a masked person throw an object at the car from the footpath on Balmoral Rd.

A man and 13-year-old child were also home at the time of the attack.

On Tuesday, Crime Scene investigators examined the scene while officers walked the street in search of more CCTV evidence.

Anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police investigate evidence at the scene. Picture: Ben Harvy.