Firefighters called after car suspected to be stolen found ablaze in East Ballina

Firefighters raced to tackle a car fire in Ballina after a short lived police chase. Here’s what we know.

The car was gutted by the fire.

Firefighters have put out a blaze which gutted a suspected stolen vehicle in East Ballina on Thursday afternoon.

About 12.45pm police were patrolling the Bruxner Highway at Wollongbar, when they saw a black Fiat hatchback registered as stolen.

When the car failed to stop, Highway Patrol Officers commenced a pursuit; but stopped shortly after due to the manner of driving.

Sometime later, NSW Rural Fire Service was called to a reported bushfire in East Ballina at 1:14pm.

Firefighters arrived in the area to find a car alight.

Police confirmed the vehicle to be the stolen Fiat hatchback, while firefighters extinguished the fire.

Firefighters on the job.

Police established a crime scene which will be forensically examined.

Investigations continue. Know more? Phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.