Alliance Councillor Michael Long has hit out at those behind the “utterly stupid” arson of a car on the forecourt of a filling station.

The vehicle, believed to have been stolen from the Southland Dale area in the early hours of Monday, was set alight at the garage on Rosetta Road around 1am today (Thursday). Police say considerable damage was done in the incident.

“This was an utterly stupid move by whoever set the car alight on the forecourt of a petrol station,” said Councillor Long.

“This is a heavily built-up residential area and the actions of those responsible could have led to serious consequences if the filling station had caught fire as a result. My thanks go to the emergency services for helping ensure that didn’t happen.

“I urge anyone with information on this incident or those behind it to contact police with it immediately.”