A 1968 Austin Mini Cooper that was reported stolen last week has been found completely destroyed after being set ablaze in Frome, Somerset. The white Mk2 Mini was taken from a car park in Ottery St Mary, Devon at around 11pm on 29 May.
The cherished classic was thought to have been worth £6500 and was discovered by Police well alight at around 1am on 31 May. Despite the efforts of the fire service, the car was totally consumed by the blaze.
Police are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen the car being driven between Ottery St Mary and Frome following its disappearance on the evening of the 29th and its discovery on the 31st.
The car bore the registration number 'NDV 919G' and was finished in Snowberry White with a black roof and black powdercoated Minilite alloy wheels.
A police spokesman said: “This is heartbreaking for the owner as this car was his pride and joy. It was a fairly rare and distinctive vehicle and would have been easy to spot. We would ask anyone who may have seen it or came into contact with the car to get in touch with police.”
Despite a social media campaign that saw the owner's plea re-posted more than 350 times, no information was received.
Witnesses are urged to contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 quoting the reference CR/077172/14.
