CAR thieves doused a stolen car in petrol and set it alight in a quiet Melksham street.

Thieves broke into the Vauxhall Astra in Pembroke Road and stole an expensive CD player and speakers before driving the car into nearby Coronation Road.

The car was then dumped in the street and covered in petrol before being set on fire.

Fire crews from Melksham were scrambled to the scene at 2am on Wednesday and put out the blaze.

The £1,000 maroon Astra was written off and police are appealing for witnesses.

Melksham officers believe the car was stolen between 9pm and 2am.