car went up in flames outside the owner's house.

It is understood Mr. Kevin Busby, 24, had just spent thousands of dollars on redoing the car with new leather seats and other accessories after buying it second hand.

At about 6.20 a.m., someone reported a white BMW was on fire on Border Lane, Friswell's Hill, a Police spokesman confirmed yesterday. The flames appeared to be confined to the rear area of the car, so it was not completely gutted, he said.

Police were still investigating the cause, he said. "There is some suspicion involved. We don't believe it was electrical. There is suspected criminal activity.'' The spokesman said he could not confirm reports the fire was started as a result of an argument between the owner and others.

Mr. Busby operates Busby's Paint and Body Shop in Pembroke.