Gosport police and firefighters called after group of youths seen running from fire in Browndown Ranges

Emergency services were called to a fire spreading across a 40m by 20m patch of undergrowth near Portsmouth Road, Gosport, at 6.30pm yesterday.

The exact cause of the fire was unknown, but a group of around 15 young people were seen running from the scene, according to a watch manager from Gosport fire station.

Watch manager Sean Ratcliffe said: ‘Police attended due to the number of youths seen running away.

‘We had one pump at the scene, with support from Fareham fire station, due to the location being in the middle of Browndown.

‘We believe the fire to be deliberately set by youths, possibly doing a bit of cooking and camp fire style activities.’

Hampshire Constabulary have been contacted for further information.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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