The owner of a car which was stolen and set alight in Sandwich last Sunday has thanked his neighbours for their support.

The car was taken overnight on Saturday, March 29, and discovered ablaze round the corner in Honfleur Road at 5.49am.

Dean Charters, 32, the owner of the gold Volvo V40 estate, explained that his neighbours rallied round to help sort out the damage the fire had left behind.

He said: “The neighbours helped to clean up the mess and we washed down the road. I’d like to thank them for all their help.

“We don’t expect it to happen round here, especially in Sandwich.”

Firefighters tackled the blaze wearing breathing apparatus and used a hose reel jet and foam to extinguish the fire.

Police confirmed the vehicle was parked and secured outside Mr Charters home on the night it was taken.

Mr Charters and his wife, Lucy, 28, realised it had gone missing only when they saw the fire.

He added: “Me and my wife Lucy looked out the kitchen window and saw the blaze just round the corner – and then we saw there was a big gap where we parked our car.

"Whether they couldn’t start it or what, I’m not sure, but they decided to burn it, probably to get rid of fingerprints.”

Mr Charters, who runs Charters Decorators, says it has been worrying for the whole family. He lives with his two children, Mason, five, and Poppy, two.

He added: “It’s quite scary as I’ve got a young family and it’s been very upsetting for my wife – but at least no one was hurt.”

Police are appealing for witnesses to the theft or subsequent blaze.

A white van was reported to be seen leaving the area after a loud bang. However, it is not known if the van is connected to the incident.

If anyone has any information please contact police on 101, quoting reference number ZY/10014/14.

For the full story read this week's East Kent Mercury.