Jeep fire

He had been fishing with friends off the beach at Herbrand Walk and had parked the navy blue vehicle near the level crossing.

It is thought he had been away from it for at least an hour.

A Bexhill fire crew was called out to deal with the incident at 10.30pm and Crew Commander Dean McFaite said: "Unbeknown to him the car had caught fire...

"He was devastated because it was his pride and joy."

The fire is still under investigation to find out if it was caused deliberately or accidental.