AN ARSON investigation has been launched after a car was torched in a residential street.

Southend firefighters were called to the burning Ford Fiesta in The Leas, Westcliff, near the junction with Palmerston Road, just before 9.20pm on Friday.

They managed to contain the blaze to prevent it spreading to nearby vehicles and it was extinguished by 9.35pm.

Police arrived at the scene just before 9.30pm and quickly confirmed the blaze was deliberate.

They found the car was owned by someone from mid- Wales, who has now been contacted. Police said there was nothing to suggest the car was stolen.

Southend Council removed the vehicle on Tuesday afternoon.

They are appealing for anyone with information to call Essex Police on 101.