A petrolhead has been left heartbroken after his show car was stolen and abandoned, burnt out, in a field.

Liam Crook says he hopes the “toerags” who stole and destroyed his beloved 1994 Rover Metro are “found, prosecuted, and put away”.

The 36-year-old, from Howard Avenue in Sittingbourne, believes his car was stolen between 5pm on Friday, March 1, and noon on Saturday, March 2.

He said: “I left it with a friend of mine, who is also a private mechanic, as work was needed on my car’s rear radiator pipe.

“He works from a block of garages along Manor Road in Sittingbourne.

“I gave it to him on Friday and he was out that night so I said ‘no issue just lock it up and do the work tomorrow (Saturday) and I’ll pick it up afterward’ – he’s done a lot of work on my car in the past so it wasn’t an issue.”

Shortly after midday on Saturday Liam received a call from his friend explaining that his car was nowhere to be seen.

He said: “My friend felt really bad, but we have no idea how it happened.

“I just don’t have words to describe how I feel.”

Liam brought the car in April 2023 with money left to him by his dad, who died shortly before Christmas 2022.

It cost the factory operative £1.6k and Liam has since spent more than £2k on its upkeep.

The car was found shortly before lunchtime today, burnt out in Milstead, a village near the M2.

Liam, who works for BSB Engineering Services, added: “I put so much work into my car just for some toerag to steal it.

“I participated in car shows all over Kent and it became quite recognisable

“It was British Racing Green in colour and was rare to me – but not most people.

“There was less than 42,000 miles on the clock and there was nothing of value in the car.

“I think bored kids stole it for a joy ride. I just hope whoever stole it has a conscience and if it was kids I hope their parents are proud. I hope the law catches up with them.

“I hope they are found, prosecuted, and put away. I also want to thank the lady who helped me find my car and her husband for taking me to confirm it was mine.”

Liam used his car to get to and from work every day and to run his errands, he is now left without a vehicle and is waiting on his insurance company for help.

A police spokesman said: “Police were called at 12.28pm on Saturday, March 2, to a report that a Green Rover had been stolen overnight.

“Enquiries were made however no suspects were identified. Anyone with further information can call Kent Police on 01795 419119 quoting reference 46/34911/24.

“You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, or by using the online form on their website.”