Dutch visitors got an ugly welcome to Folkestone when yobs torched their car.

The louts scratched and dented the bonnet and boot of the BMW Z5 and set fire to the convertible roof.

It happened just before 3.20am today when the Netherlands-registered car was parked in Harbour Way.

Harvey Dorling , Folkestone Fire Station watch manager, said: “We believe that this was deliberate. Local people saw a group of youths or young men in the area and police were called.”

The fire was confined to the roof of the roadster but there was also some resulting damage to the uholstery.

One fire engine from Folkestone attended the incident.