A speed camera was pulled to the ground and set alight in Merrow.

The police say that members of the public reported that a vehicle collided with the speed camera and a man, believed to be in his late thirties, got out of the car and tied a rope around the speed camera and then used the vehicle to pull it to the ground before using an accelerant to set the camera alight.

Following the incident officers are reviewing local CCTV footage and scene of crime officers (SOCO) have forensically examined the camera and surrounding area.

The vehicle is described as a black Land-rover Defender.

Detective Constable Andy Greaves, who is leading the investigation, said: “This was a serious incident where an expensive speed camera has been destroyed because of the irresponsible actions of one man.

“I cannot stress enough just how dangerous the actions of this individual were. They put their own safety and the safety of innocent members of the public in the area at risk and someone could easily have been seriously injured.

“The camera is in place to help maintain the safety of road users in the area and for someone to take such extreme action cannot, and will not, be tolerated by Surrey Police.

“I am appealing for help from the public to trace the driver of the vehicle. I believe there is a strong possibility that the offender may be local to the area and I need the assistance of residents to track him down.

“The vehicle used by the suspect is quite distinctive and there is a chance that the offender may have sustained burn injuries to his hands during the incident.

“The offence took place in a busy area and I feel certain that, given the late hour when the arson took place, members of the public would have seen or heard something out of the ordinary.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or with any further information is asked call Surrey Police on 101, quoting reference GD/12/10755, or call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.