POLICE are investigating a suspected hate crime after a petrol attack on a Muslim woman’s car.

The incident happened in Crosse Court, Basildon, at about 10.45pm on June 7.

Petrol was poured underneath the car and set alight. The vehicle’s owner believes it was a religiously motivated attack because she is the only Muslim in the street.

An Essex Police spokesman confirmed that a fire service investigation found the fire was deliberate.

Initial enquiries were carried out and officers from Basildon CID are investigating.

The incident is being treated as a hate crime.

Sidra Naeem, an Islamic advisor for Essex Police and the fire service and a chaplain at Anglia Ruskin University, said the woman is now afraid to leave her home.

She said: "Petrol was put under the car and it exploded in front of her eyes. It was reported by a couple of people to the police, the fire brigade also know, all the neighbours know and the race hate panel was also notified.

“She was the only Muslim person in that whole row of houses. Her car was among almost 50 others and it was only her car that was targeted.

"She hasn’t come out of her house ever since- she’s too scared and worried.”

An Essex Police spokesman said additional patrols are being carried out around the area to provide reassurance.

Det Chief Insp Neil Pudney said: “We will not tolerate hate crime in any form.

“If you are a victim of hate crime – whether that offence takes place online or in the street – it is important that you report that to us so we can help you.

“Anyone carrying out hate crime in any form will be dealt with robustly, investigated and prosecuted.”

There are several ways in which you can report a hate crime incident. In an emergency, call 999, to report non urgent cases call 101 or report them online at essex.police.uk . You can also report crimes anonymously via the Crimestoppers hotline 0800 555 111.

There are also Hate Incident Reporting Centres across Essex where victims or witnesses can report crimes to specially trained hate crime ambassadors. To find your nearest centre, visit essex.police.uk/advice/hate-crime If you have any information about suspicious activity or behaviour in relation to terrorism call Essex Police on 101 or the national hotline on 0800 789 321.