Mum's car misery

And Karen Reed's third party insurance will not cover her for the loss of the Ford Fiesta she paid 300 for.

Karen was asleep in bed when Molotov cocktails were thrown at about 1am into the parked Peugeot taxis used by fellow-Blois Road residents Douglas and Tina Carpenter.

'My husband Nicholas got out of bed by chance to have a drink and saw lights in the street through the window,' said Karen.

'He sat there watching the fire. He didn't realise my car was also involved.

'Then he woke me up to tell me what was going on and I said: "That's MY car on fire.'' '

Police later towed away the three cars for forensic examination.

'It's a write-off,' added Karen, 25. 'It was still smouldering when I got to it.

'I was told at first that I would be charged for the towing away but at least that matter has now been sorted out.

'But I have no car. It's a nightmare. I shall have to start saving up for another one.'

l Police say the arson attack on the taxis cost 20,000 damage. They believe it may be the result of 'some bad feeling' between taxi operators in the coastal area.

Said Inspector Dave Padwick: 'We are keeping an open mind but that is one line of enquiry.'