Black smoke rises over the M275 by Tipner as fire crews rush to the scene of boatyard blaze

The incident was spotted just before 4pm on April 22 on the M275 near Tipner. Fire crews from across the area rushed to the scene as a number of boats and a storage unit caught ablaze at a boatyard on Tipner Lane.

Three teenager have now been arrested on suspicion of arson. A Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary spokesperson said: “Three arrests have been made following a suspected arson incident in Portsmouth. Police were called just before 4pm on April 22 to a report of a fire at Tipner Boat Yard.

“A 13-year-old boy from Portsmouth was arrested on suspicion of arson and assault of an emergency worker. He remains in custody. A 15-year-old girl and a 13 -year-old girl, both from Portsmouth, were arrested on suspicion of arson and have been released on bail until July 23 while further enquiries continue.

“Anyone with information should call 101 quoting reference 44250174906”

A Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Firefighters are currently tackling a blaze involving a number boats on land at a boatyard on Tipner Lane in Portsmouth.

“Crews from Southsea, Cosham and Portchester were alerted shortly before 4pm when around twenty 999 calls were made into the HIWFRS Control Room.

“There is a lot of smoke in the area so nearby residents are advised to close doors and windows, with the public also asked to avoid the area.”

A Hampshire fire service spokesperson said: “We were alerted to the incident shortly before 4pm when around twenty 999 calls came into the HIWFRS Control Room.

“Firefighters used four jets, two hose reel jets and an ultra high pressure lance and foam to tackle the fire with the fire extinguished and crews returning to station at around 9pm.”

Further live updates can be found at the bottom of this article.