A CAR was severely damaged by a fire which crews claim was started deliberately.

Firefighters from Wellington were called to reports of a car fire at around 2am on Wednesday, December 2.

"Shortly after arriving a further fire appliance was requested, also from Wellington, due to the vehicle being well alight and there being a concern that it was very close to a property," said a spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

He added: "The fire, which had been started deliberately, caused 75 per cent damage and once the scene had been made safe, duty of care was left with the owners and the police."