The last 10 years have seen a 250% increase in the number of fires deliberately started across Britain, according to research by the Arson Prevention Bureau.

One in every 12 stolen vehicles was set on fire and burnt out, compared to a rate of one in 33 in 1986.

Every day in the UK 130 cars are deliberately set on fire. In 1996, 21 people were killed and 122 were seriously injured as a result of car arson attacks.

Education is an important part of the safety message

The study said the main motives behind such fires were destruction of vehicles following theft, vandalism and insurance fraud.

Metropolitan areas show the highest rate of such fires, with Tyneside scoring the highest - 544 fires for every 100,000 cars.

The lowest rate was in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland where there were 11 fires per 100,000 cars.

APB spokesman Tony Baker stressed the important role that motorists can play in tackling the problem.