ARSONISTS may have been behind a fierce fire in a Hampshire town last night, it has emerged.

More than 55 fire fighters were called as a 400 sq m derelict building became engulfed in flames at around 5.30pm.

Teams used hose reels, breathing apparatus and an aerial ladder platform as they tackled the dramatic blaze for four hours.

But they were unable to save the building, in Grange Lane, Gosport, from being completely destroyed.

It is not yet known how the fire started and it has been classed as 'cause doubtful' meaning arson cannot be ruled out as a possibility.

Crews from Hightown in Southampton, as well as Gosport, Portchester, Cosham and Wickham attended the scene, finally leaving the scene at around 10pm.

Nobody was hurt in the fire. Hampshire Fire and Rescue were continuing to investigate this morning.