A HEALTH worker's car exploded into flames after yobs drove a scooter into it.

The incident is the latest in a spate of attacks on cars and mopeds in the New Earswick area of York.

There have been four such attacks since December 4, when a car was set on fire outside New Earswick Primary School.

Another car was set ablaze on Boxing Day on the playing fields off White Rose Avenue, and a moped was torched the following day at the nearby tennis courts.

Health worker Andrea Cowling was working the night shift at the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust's supported housing unit at Red Lodge, New Earswick, on Monday when the latest incident happened.

Miss Cowling, 30, said: "I'd been out with a client on a house visit and we got back to Red Lodge at about 9pm.

"As I walked from my car towards the back door, I saw various youths hanging around. Two were on a moped, and one lad stood by the door.

"I had no choice but to walk past him. As I did so, he tried to urinate on me.

"My priority was mine and my client's safety. As I struggled to get inside he was shouting awful things at me - things I can't repeat."

She said she wanted to remove treasured photographs - the only ones she had of a friend who died last year - from her car.

But when she looked out of the window at 11.20pm she saw her car in flames.

"You can replace a car, but not those photos. The whole thing has knocked my confidence."

George Brett, manager at the adjacent Folk Hall community centre, said: "I heard a bang at about 11.30pm. I looked out of the window and saw a car on fire, so I called the fire brigade."

Paul Beckwith, neighbourhood police officer for Huntington and New Earswick, said: "Unfortunately, the Huntington and New Earswick area has been suffering an increase in vehicle crime."

PC Beckwith said some of the incidents had involved theft from vehicles and others involved vehicles which had already been stolen. The vehicles had been set alight to destroy forensic evidence.

He said: "Some recent arrests have been made, inquiries are continuing, and we have increased patrols, but I would urge residents to be vigilant towards any suspicious activity around motor vehicles.

"Anyone with information can phone us on 0845 6060247, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."

Updated: 09:41 Thursday, January 05, 2006