Two cars torched in Bounstead Road, near Friday Woods

A Mercedes and BMW have recently were set alight after being abandoned in Bounstead Road, near Friday Woods.

The Gazette understands the cars were left abandoned for months without any sign of collection.

Burnt - The two cars burnt on the road (Image: Public)

After the vehicles were burnt collection notices have been taped on the front of the vehicles, informing residents the cars will be removed in the next seven days. 

Dave Harris, Berechurch Hall ward councillor, said: "It is unacceptable to leave cars and torch them, it is disgraceful.

"We are a low crime area in Colchester so it is really unusual to have cars set fire to.

"It has not happened in a very long while and it is a real sad thing to happen in my area."

Fire - The front of one of the torched cars (Image: Public)

A resident of Berechurch Hall Road raised concerns over the safety in the area.

The resident said: "Prior to the army closing the car park there was a lot of antisocial behaviour in the area.

"This included motorbikes, people setting bins on fire and it was also the local dogging area."

Sign - A removal notice on the front of one of the vehicles (Image: Public)

The resident continued: "One of the cars has now been removed but it had gotten to the point that the cars have been set alight. 

"It really is a worry for when you try to park up there as when you want to go for a walk it is worrying to park near them in case your car gets damaged as well."

"I take my daughter and mum there and it is so concerning that the cars have been set alight." 

Essex Police have been contacted for comment.