Police hunt arsonists who torched areas near houses and businesses

Despite no one being hurt, Hampshire police admitted it ‘could have been a very different outcome’ after fire crews were left battling up to five fires in the Testwood Lake and Test Lane area of Totton, near Southampton, on Saturday.

The first fire was reported at 2.30pm before other blazes had to be extinguished.

Acting inspector Mel Spooner, said: ‘Fortunately the fire service have been able to bring the fires under control quickly and no one has been injured. However, with the dry climate and the fires being set in close proximity to houses and business premises, there could have been a very different outcome.

‘We have officers out in the area patrolling and carrying out house to house enquiries.

‘I would urge anyone who witnessed the fires being set or who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area, to call the police immediately.

Anyone with information should call police on 101.