A police investigation has been launched after a car was deliberately set on fire in Southend.

Essex police were called to Grainger Road, Southend, just before 10.30pm yesterday evening.

A man, described as wearing shorts and a black bomber jacket, was seen fleeing the scene.

An investigation has been launched and officers are appealing for witnesses and footage of the incident.

Det Chief Insp Rachel Jeffrey said: "We are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time of this incident, witnessed anything or has any footage to please get in touch.

“We know this would have been concerning for people locally and we want to reassure you that we are treating this as an isolated incident.

“An investigation is under way to establish the full circumstances and those inquiries are progressing at pace.”

Anyone with information should contact Essex Police, quoting incident 1239 of September 17.