A CAR burst into flames after being deliberately torched near Tiptree Nature Reserve.

Firefighters were called to reports of a car fire in Maldon Road, Tiptree, on Saturday February 3 at 9.39pm.

After arriving at the scene the crews found one vehicle which was completely alight.

Wearing breathing apparatus, firefighters used hose reel jets to extinguish the fire by 10.32pm. 

A spokesman for the Essex Fire and Rescue Service said: "The cause was deemed to be deliberate."

Footage captured in the moments after the car was set alight, which has been sent to the Gazette, shows the vehicle covered in flames. 

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We are currently investigating a fire, which is believed to have been started deliberately in Tiptree over the weekend. 

"Officers were called to Maldon Road at around 9pm on Saturday, 3 February following reports of a car being set on fire. 

"We are currently investigating this as arson and enquiries remain ongoing."