A CAR was torched in the early hours of yesterday morning in Greenock.

The vehicle was deliberately set alight in Baxter Street at around 1.15am.

Crews from Greenock fire station and police were both called to the scene.

Two appliances were initially called to tackle the blaze after the fire service was informed it was a house fire.

But only one hose reel jet was needed to extinguish the fire when it was discovered the blaze involved a car.

A spokeswoman confirmed the fire and said the car was well alight when crews attended the scene. Sergeant Ian Wood, of Greenock police, said: "A fire was reported at Baxter Street and a vehicle was involved. Enquiries are continuing." An eyewitness who woke yesterday morning to find the burnt-out shell spoke to the Tele. The man, who did not want to give his name, said: "I'll never understand why anyone would do this especially when the car was parked in a driveway. It's a total mess and I feel sorry for the owner - it's hard to believe this has happened." Police are now appealing for anyone who may have seen anything suspicious around that time to call police on 492500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.