A burglar in Hove was disturbed during a break in and fled in his victim’s car.
The car, a Vauxhall Astra, was set alight in the car park of a church, in Lyminster Avenue in Brighton, nearly 48 hours later.
Firefighters from East Sussex Fire and Rescue alerted Sussex Police when they attended the blaze in Hollingbury just before 12.30am yesterday (Tuesday 3 August).
A young white man was seen running from the area towards the Long Man of Wilmington pub shortly beforehand.
He is described as aged 18-19, of slim build, wearing a white top or t-shirt and shorts, possible three-quarter length.
The car had been stolen during a burglary in Nevill Road, Hove, at 2.45am on Sunday, when the householder disturbed the intruder.
The burglar escaped with a small amount of cash and the car.
He was described as white, in his 20s, 5ft 8in to 5ft 10in tall and very slim. He was wearing a dark grey suit jacket and dark trousers or jeans.
Anyone who saw the suspect or the car or who has any information about the burglary is asked to call 0845 6070999 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.