Man caught pouring diesel onto neighbour's home claims he was trying to kill a ghost

Cuong Pham's use of diesel instead of petrol may have prevented tragedy, police say

A man who was filmed attempting to burn down his neighbour's home told police he was trying to kill a ghost.

Cuong Pham, 38, was caught on CCTV as he doused the house's front door with more than seven litres of diesel before attempting to set it alight.

After the fuel failed to ignite, he apparently gave up and walked off.

Police in Stockton, California, arrested him earlier on suspicion of attempted murder and arson on Thursday.

Investigators said that if Mr Pham had used petrol - which is far more flammable than diesel - he would probably have killed himself and those inside the house.

Two children, aged three and 10, and "several adults" were reportedly asleep inside at the time.

Mr Pham is said to told police that he had seen a ghost in the family's house and was trying to kill it.

A neighbour told the FOX40 news channel that the man had previously been recorded on the property, ringing the doorbell repeatedly and pacing about.