A sleeping couple were woken up by police officers after their car was reportedly set alight on purpose.

The blaze in Margate last night is being treated by police as a suspected arson and the couple are appealing for help to find out what happened.

Officers today launched an investigation after the car caught fire opposite Dane Park at around 4am.

Stevie-Lee Francis, whose partner's Peugeot 207 was destroyed by the flames, said they were sleeping when police officers knocked on their door.

The fire in Park Crescent Road was spotted by officers on patrol.

Ms Francis is now hoping neighbours have CCTV footage that could show what happened to their car.

She said: "They [the police] are the ones that informed us. They knocked on our door to let us know what had happened and that the fire brigade was already there.

"I'm wondering if anyone has any CCTV that may show us or the police who the culprit is.

"Shocked and upset it’s a understatement."

Ms Francis added it was their main car and meant her partner was now unable to go to work.

A police spokesman said: "Kent Police is investigating after a car was reportedly set alight in Margate.

"Officers were called to the scene in Park Crescent Road on Tuesday 12 February just after 4am. No injuries were reported.

"The fire is being treated as suspicious and enquiries are ongoing."

A fire service spokesman confirmed one fire engine was sent at 4.11am and the fire had been started deliberately.

They said: "About 80% of the vehicle was destroyed by fire. We believe that the cause was deliberate and potentially it was an accelerant of some sort.

"A hose reel jet was used to put the fire out and the stop time was at 4.23am."

Anyone with information should call Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting reference 12-0129.