A stolen car was found ablaze in Tolworth last night.

The hatchback had been dumped in Hamilton Avenue and residents were awoken by the flames.

Surbiton firefighters were called at 11.45pm and said the car, a silver Peugeot 307, was well alight.

They prevented the fire spreading to nearby cars.

Police arrived just before 2am as firefighters were tackling the late-night blaze.

Nearby residents were said to have heard a window smash before the car was seen on fire.

It is believed the blaze was started deliberately, a police spokeswoman said.