Police are probing a suspected arson attack after a car went up in flames on a sales forecourt this morning.

One crew from Thames Side station was called to Springhead Car Sales, Springhead Road, Northfleet, at 5.20am.

They arrived within a matter of minutes, extinguished the blaze with a high pressure hose and left the scene at 6am, passing duty of care to the police who will now investigate the circumstances.

The fire at Springhead Car Sales in Northfleet. Video: Ben Osborn

The service confirmed the fire was believed to be malicious.

A £12,000 red Mercedes soft top was completely destroyed by the blaze, while a nearby silver Toyota was also damaged.

One neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: "I came back from a night shift at 6am and it was all over.

"I heard someone say a man had targeted the middle car and others were damaged as a result."

The garage owner confirmed he will be reviewing CCTV.

Police Spokesman Steve Knight confirmed they received a call just after 5.30am and remain at the scene.

No one was injured in the incident.