Gold Coast motorist tries to torch car

A man has tried to set his car on fire after being spotted driving with stolen number plates on the Gold Coast.

Police say the 37-year-old man sped away from officers on the Pacific Highway at Helensvale around 2.20am on Wednesday.

After police found his car parked in a neighbouring suburb, he jumped inside and tried to set the passenger seat alight.

He is expected to be charged with a number of serious offences.