A CAR fire in North Yorkshire was started deliberately, firefighters believe.

A crew from Selby was called to a riverbank near the A19 at Chapel Haddlesey, close to Selby, at about 4.30am today where a Volvo S40 was "well alight," according to a North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson.

Firefighters put out the flames using one hose reel and breathing apparatus.

The spokesperson added: "The cause is believed to be deliberate and there was 100 per cent fire damage to the vehicle."

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "Police are treating the fire as arson."

Anyone with any information is asked to phone North Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting reference number 12170025046.