A car was torched on a Stevenage street last night (Monday) – the third vehicle to go up in flames there in recent months.

A black Vauxhall Astra was targeted on Rockingham Way just before midnight, with the vehicle a fireball when firefighters arrived.

The fire was put out by 12.20am, with the fire crew and police on scene until after 1am.

Herts Fire Service said a flammable item had been placed under the car which was parked securely in an off road car park.

Herts Police confirmed there had been two other car fires in the street, but fire investigators classified these as electrical faults.

Officers have launched an investigation into last night’s attack.