Firefighters took more than 20 minutes to put out a fierce car blaze because the vehicle was covered in petrol.
One crew from Canvey attended the early morning blaze in Long Road, Canvey, at the back of the Village Fish Bar.
Police believe the car was stolen and set alight by the thieves in an attempt to cover their tracks.
Sub-officer Mike Jones said: "This was quite unusual because it took us so long to put the fire out."
The car, a Peugeot 205, was believed to have been stolen last week.
Mr Jones added: "It has been badly torched. It was abandoned in a car park and looked like someone was trying to cover their tracks."
Anyone who saw what happened last Thursday morning at around 2.15am should call police on 01268 511212.
Published Monday November 24, 2003
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