by Katie Alstonkalston@thekmgroup.co.uk

Police are hunting for a World Cup star look-a-like after a classic car enthusiast's pride and joy were destroyed in a suspected arson attack.

The trouble started for devastated Robin Jenkins, 49, on June 13, as he was getting ready to go to a car show at around 6.40am.

He had to ask three men, who were all drinking, to move so he could pull out of his driveway.

But the group took offence, shouting and showing him the knives they were carrying.

Things then took a more sinister twist when just before midnight on Wednesday June 16, Mr Jenkins heard glass smashing outside of his home in Pierpoint Road, Whitstable.

When he went to investigate he was confronted by two men who shouted at him in what sounded like an Eastern European language and showed him a knife, petrified he ran inside and called police.

When officers arrived they found a 10in kitchen knife stuck in the front door.

One of the men is 5ft 7in tall, medium build, and was wearing dark clothing and a beany hat.

The other is 5ft 9in tall, slim and was wearing dark clothing, possibly overalls, and described as the spitting image of France and Bayern Munich football player Franck Ribery.

He is also said to have had staring eyes. Both men are aged between 20 and 25.

Mr Jenkins, who has lived at his home for two-years was then dealt a crushing blow last Wednesday at around 12.45am.

Woken by a noise of fire crackling and a small explosion in his garden, he went outside to find his garage engulfed in flames and the Mazda MX5 Le Monde inside, of which only 23 were made, up in smoke.

His MG Maestro Turbo parked outside, which was one of 505 made and one of only 100 left running, was also beyond saving. The damage is estimated to cost more than £40,000.

Mr Jenkins said: "Those cars were my pride and joy and meant the world to me. I'm devastated and just want these men caught.

"The whole string of incidents has been terrifying and I haven't been sleeping properly.

"With the first incident it didn't sink in, but as things have escalated and time has gone on I've just been left completely gutted.

"I have been targeted unfairly and it is frightening to think about just how extreme what's happened is.

"The garage had to be pulled down, because it was structurally unsafe, and although it is frustrating, it can be rebuilt.

"My cars however are irreplaceable and real collectors items.

"The whole thing is so distressing and people shouldn't be allowed to get away with things like this."

Officers have been conducting house-to-house inquiries and forensic investigations are underway.

Anyone with information should contact police on 01843 222 197 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.