A Muslim looked on in horror as her car was deliberately set on fire in a hate crime attack.

The woman has been left afraid to leave her home in Basildon following the incident in which petrol was poured under the car before being set alight.

Police have confirmed that they are treating the attack as a hate crime after the victim told them it was religiously motivated because she is the only Muslim living in the street.

An Essex Police spokesman said a fire service investigation found the blaze was deliberate. Initial enquiries were carried out and officers from Basildon CID are now investigating.

Sidra Naeem, an Islamic adviser for Essex Police and the fire service, said the woman was now afraid to leave her home.

“Petrol was put under the car and it exploded in front of her eyes,” she said. “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. She hasn’t come out of her house ever since — she’s too scared and worried.”

The attack happened at about 10.45pm on Wednesday, June 7.

Detective Chief Inspector 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.”