An arson attack in Bungay that saw a car set on fire is being treated as a hate crime, police have said.

The car was set ablaze in the early hours of New Year’s Day in the quiet residential area of Garden Close.

The incident saw 12 police cars arriving at the scene, with one fire engine also called out.

Police are also investigating what they called a “racist letter” that was sent to the crime victim’s family.

The police had closed their investigation but reopened it after footage emerged on social media of the fire and the letter.

A Suffolk Police spokesman said: “An officer has been in contact with the victim’s family and we are discussing the matter of arson in detail with them.

“This is being treated as a hate-related incident and will be investigated we are currently revisiting the case looking for new evidential opportunities.

“No arrests have been made at this stage.

“In terms of a racist letter sent to the same family we are actively seeking a suspect in connection with the incident and inquiries are on-going.”