Expensive Jaguar car 'set alight' in Southampton cul-de-sac

Police blocked off Pilgrim Place in Mansbridge at around 9.40pm on Friday night after the Jaguar was engulfed in the blaze, shocking neighbours.

Firefighters from St Mary's and Eastleigh were called out to quell the blaze, with a firefighter wearing breathing apparatus and using a hose reel putting out the fire.

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What is left of the car after the incident (Image: John Borg) A fire spokesman described the cause of the fire as 'doubtful' and handed the incident over to police when they left at 10.30pm. No-one was injured.

This morning, the extent of the damage was clear, with much of the vehicle destroyed.

John Borg, 31, lives in Pilgrim Place and first learned of what happened when he saw a video of the fire on social media.

The state of the car the morning after the blaze (Image: John Borg) He said: "The back end is completely destroyed, the side of it has come off and the front windscreen is half gone.

"The passenger headlight is completely missing; it looks like it was in an accident before the fire."

He added: "We haven't had anything like this happen before around here, particularly with a car like that."

The 31-year-old said it was a 'shame' that the car had been destroyed.

The damage to the car (Image: John Borg) He added: "That is someone's pride and joy that has been destroyed, and being a Jaguar that is a lot of money that has literally gone up in smoke."

This comes as Hampshire Constabulary launched an investigation into what happened.

A spokesman for the force said: “We are currently treating the fire as suspicious, as our investigation and enquiries continue to determine the cause.

“Please contact 101 and quote incident number 44240499290 if you witnessed the incident, or have any other information, including footage, such as mobile phone, dash cam or CCTV.”

The damage to the back of the car was clear to see (Image: John Borg) John's mum Sarah was concerned about the impact the burnt-out vehicle could have on their neighbourhood spirit.

The 55-year-old said: "The area we live in might not be the most affluent in the city but it is a pleasant place to live; we are happy here, people take care of their houses and gardens and are proud of their community.

"It is a real shame that the car was dumped here because it brings the area down when people are trying to make the best out of their environment."

"I hope it isn't left here for a long time because it isn't a sight you want to look at."

The damaged car (Image: John Borg)