A CAR was deliberately set on fire after crashing into a fence during a late night incident.

Police said they were alerted at around 11.30pm on Friday after reports of a car crash on High Street in Brierfield.

When they arrived a Nissan Micra was found well alight and police called the fire service.

A police spokesman, said: "Officers talked to eyewitnesses who said the car had crashed into a fence.

"A group of young males were seen leaving the car and we believe it was then deliberately set on fire by them."

As the incident unfolded police said a crowd gathered nearby to watch on and several filmed the blaze on mobile phones.

There were no reported injuries.

A fire service spokemsam said a crew from Nelson was sent to High Street after they were alerted at 11.43pm.

They spent four minutes at the scene putting out the blaze.

Police said they were treating the fire as suspected arson.

Anyone with information about the fire is asked to contact 101 and quote reference 1530 of November 11.