RESIDENTS in Wall Heath were startled out of their sleep in the early hours of this morning (Thursday) after a car was found ablaze behind the community centre.

Firefighters from Brierley Hill were alerted to the incident at 2.08am after numerous calls were made to the emergency services.

The car was totally destroyed in the blaze at the back of Wall Heath Community Centre in Enville Road.

Kingswinford North and Wall Heath councillor Ed Lawrence said the incident was the talk of the village this morning and he praised the swift arrival of firefighters for preventing the flames from spreading to other vehicles as well as the community centre which is set to host the annual art exhibition of Wall Heath Art Club this weekend.

Police also attended the scene as the blaze is believed to have been started deliberately.

Cllr Lawrence said: "If this was deliberate it was damn right foolish to set fire to a car in that location so close to properties."

He said he would be calling on police to step up patrols in the area, adding: "We need a larger police presence in Wall Heath and I will be asking for this. Wall Heath has very little crime, but a police presence always makes people feel safer and reassured."