The victim of an arson attack has been left “freaked out” after their car was set alight by a “masked man”.

Police are treating the incident, in which a 2021 Audi A3 was torched in Ramsgate, as suspicious.

The owner of the vehicle, who wished to remain anonymous, told KentOnline they cannot believe it happened.

“I am a bit freaked out as apparently there was an eye witness stating they saw somebody running away from the scene with a balaclava on,” they said.

“I am doing ok but still in a daze. I cannot quite believe it has happened.

“It is tough, I have not been sleeping and I am on alert all the time.”

The Thanet Road resident added they have been left without transport.

“I cannot even get a courtesy car as I have to wait for it to be deemed total loss,” they said.

“It is so difficult to get to and from work and it is all so stressful.

“One of my colleagues took me to work this morning. We are such a good team at work, we look after each other.”

They said the firefighters said the boot window popped because of the heat.

“Apparently the car was too far gone for forensics to be of any use,” they said.

“A neighbour told me they heard someone running away.

“Maybe the rear drivers side was where something was thrown in?

“It is very frightening and I cannot understand why anyone would do this. I only moved to Ramsgate from Broadstairs a month ago.

“I have never known anything like it. I have lived in Thanet for 11 years.”

Police and fire services were called to the blaze just after 1am on Friday. One fire engine attended, and the blaze was put out by crews just before 1.30am.

A spokesperson for police says the fire is being treated as suspicious and officers would like to speak to a man who was seen leaving the area.

“Officers attended along with Kent Fire and Rescue Service, who extinguished the fire with no reported injuries,” they said.

“The fire is being treated as suspicious and officers would like to speak to a man described as white, around 5ft 10ins tall, of large build and wearing a black, long-sleeved top and shorts.

“He was seen leaving the area in the direction of Hereson Road at around the time of the incident.

“Anyone with any information should call police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/97902/23. You can also contact crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, or by using the online form on their website.”