A motorist who returned from a night in the pub to find the melted wreck of his car said the yobs who caused the blaze should be locked up.

Thomas Nguruve, 28, left, was enjoying a drink in The Blackbird pub, in Blackbird Leys, on Fridaynight when his girlfriend Chipo Chaya told him to hurry back to their flat on the estate.

Yobs had stolen a car and set fire to it next to their home in Ashmole Place at 10.30pm. A ball of flame from the stolen Suzuki Jimny caused a back window of the couple's Hyundai Accent to shatter. A large part of the car's bodywork was also melted off and paintwork along the car was ruined.

The Suzuki was destroyed in the blaze, which occurred just yards behind the busy Bullnose Morris pub, in Cuddesdon Way.

Mr Nguruve said: "I am really shocked and angry. The car is insured, but we will struggle to get a replacement.

"These people need to be dealt with - prison, definitely."

Neighbour Jane Wright said: "I was in bed and I heard a big bang. It was just a mass of flames and smoke. I was worried about the hedge next to it going up."

Anyone with information should call 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.