A CAR has become the third vehicle to be torched in just three weeks following another “disturbing” incident.

The Citroen was set on fire after it was left at the kerbside in Deane’s Close, Dovercourt, on Friday.

Essex Police has confirmed it is treating the incident as an act of arson.

It comes just two weeks after two cars were set alight in the early hours of July 28, as residents evacuated their homes in Station Road, Harwich.

Saturday’s incident occurred dangerously close to retirement housing complex Belmans Court, as well as Bay Motors garage.

Read more:

The latest incident has left town councillor Jo Henderson bemused at the potential of yet another act of mindless vandalism.

“I think it’s very disturbing that this happened so close to residents,” she said.

“It’s yet another issue happening which is really disturbing.

“People could’ve lost their homes or their livelihoods.

“To be in that area as a vehicle catches fire is certainly a concern for anyone.

“There seems to be this drip feed of crimes committed by a small minority and we, as a community, need to be aware and try wherever we can to help the police catch them. I strongly condemn this mindless act.

“I just ask myself ‘Why?’. The question is why do they do these things? What does it achieve? It just beggars belief.

“I call on people to assist the police because at the end of the day it will benefit us all.”

At the end of July, both Laura Henthorn and partner Mark Kavanagh lost their cars as residents on Station Road evacuated their properties in fear they could catch fire.

It left their children traumatised by the incident and unable to sleep in their own bedroom during the days that followed.

Town councillor Maria Fowler has now urged people with any information to come forward.

“We don’t know whether the police have linked this incident with the previous one, but regardless we should all stay vigilant,” she said.

“I believe it should be left with the police to investigate this spree of fires.”

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We are investigating after a vehicle was damaged by fire in Harwich.

“It happened in Deanes Close at about 11.10pm on Friday and we are treating it as arson.”

Any information should be submitted given to police by phoning 101 and quoting crime reference number 42/167979/21. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.