A CAR has been destroyed after it was set alight by a group of young people, police have said.

The vehicle was dumped at a derelict property in the Fernhill area of New Milton.

Officers from Lymington and New Milton attended the scene yesterday, April 14.

Neighbours told police how they saw a group of youngsters flee from the property.

Daily Echo: Photo: Lymington and New Milton Cops Photo: Lymington and New Milton Cops

Officers have since applauded the "quick actions" of the neighbours which "prevented a far worse outcome". 

A post on the Lymington and New Milton Cops Facebook page said: "There is no excuse at any time to commit this criminal act of deliberately setting fire to property.

"This is arson and for a young offender aged between 12 to 17-years-old, if identified or detained, could result in imprisonment within a detention centre for up to a year."

Enquiries into the incident are ongoing.