A FAMILY say attempts to drive them out of their newsagents business will not work, after their car was allegedly set on fire last night.

The Ford Focus, parked outside Saints newsagents in Newton Road, was set alight shortly after midnight according to the shop managers.

Inoka Karunaratne said this is the third threatening incident they have experienced since moving to the shop around a month ago – and she believes the incidents could be racially-motivated.

The mother-of-two said: "Just last night I heard a car alarm going and checked outside and saw our car burning.

"We called the fire brigade and they came out but the car was totally ruined.

"Whoever did it broke the window and put something inside the car so it would burn quickly."

Inoka, 38, lives above shop with her husband, four-year-old daughter and son, aged two.

She added: "I was scared when I saw the fire – my daughter and son woke up with the commotion and she has been upset, asking why people would burn our car?"

She said since their arrival at the shop, a door has been smashed.

She said: "One customer was arguing in the shop and then came back and smashed the glass in the door.

"Most of the people here are really nice but there are a few causing trouble.

"I think they are trying to intimidate us or control us - but it won't work."

A spokeswoman for Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service confirmed firefighters were called to the incident in Newton Road just before 1am on Friday.

She said: "One fire engine attended the incident, which involved a car well alight.

"Crews used a hose reel to extinguish the fire and they remained at the scene for around 20 minutes."

The incident was handed over to Merseyside Police, who are investigating.