Owner tells of anger and disgust after arsonists destroy his car

The man, who does not want to be named, said his silver Volkswagen Passat, which was worth about £3,000, has been "destroyed" by the fire.

A fire crew from Selby were called to the blaze, in D'Arcy Road, at 12.25am on Wednesday and put out the flames.

It is the second arson attack on a car in or near Selby in the past three days, following this incident in Chapel Haddlesey on Monday.

The car's owner said: "We heard a bang and I looked outside and the dog was barking. I then heard footsteps running. I didn't see anyone. I looked outside again and saw flames.

"A lady came and said your car is on fire. Someone had rang the fire brigade.

"I ran outside and saw that it was my car. I was feeling really angry. I don't know why they does these things. It's disgusting."

He added: "A neighbour said he saw someone jump over his fence and gave a description to the police."

Andrew Jackson, who witnessed the fire, said he was the first on the scene.

He explained: "I'd just finished work and was heading home at about 12.30am. I saw fire as I was driving down the road. I thought what's going on there.

"I got closer and noticed nobody around. I thought I'd best stop and let people know. 

"I was worried the fire was near some bungalows where elderly people live.

"I banged on the doors to get people up and got a lady to ring 999.

"There was one lady who knew whose car it was and went to let him know. 

"I'm glad there wasn't any big explosions and glad everyone is safe."

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "The cause is believed to have been deliberate ignition."

North Yorkshire Police is investigating the fire.

A spokesperson for the force said it is believed the Volkswagen Passat was set on fire "intentionally."

The spokesperson added: "Police are treating the incident as arson."

Anyone with any information about the Volkswagen fire is asked to phone North Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting reference number 12170026072.