Good Samaritans came to the rescue after a moped was set alight on a busy street.

The four have-a-go heroes stepped in to extinguish the fire in Colne Road, Halstead, in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Alex Hands was enjoying the evening with friends at home when one of them noticed that his moped was on fire.

Mr Hands was relieved to see four men walking past had quickly put the fire out but it was not enough to save his moped which had been badly damaged by the blaze.

He said: “It’s basically a write off. The licence plate has been burned, as have the lights on the front and the cover round it. The only thing that wasn’t damaged were the cables.

“I’m pretty angry and disappointed to be honest. It hasn’t really sunk it yet what has happened but I’m sure in the next few days it will, especially when I can’t get around town.”

Essex Police have launched an investigation into the incident which took place at around 12.30am on Sunday, January 14.

Police confirmed they are treating it as arson.

Mr Hands has appealed for any witnesses to come forward.

He added: “The police have been great but they can’t do a lot now without evidence. I use the moped to get to and from work. I start at 5am most mornings so this is making it a nightmare.

“I guess it’s lucky the four guys put the fire out when they did though.

“It was full of petrol and my mum’s car was parked right next to it. That could easily have caught fire and who knows what might have happened then.”

Call Braintree Police Station on 101 with information.