A CAR was set alight in the middle of a playing field after being stolen.

Firefighters were called at about 6.30am to Willow Fields recreational park in Laindon where a car was reported to be on fire in the middle of the field.

After spending about an hour at the site, due to difficult access, firefighters concluded the car had been stolen and driven around the field before being deliberately set on fire.

Updates to follow.