A police investigation has been launched into an arson attack in Southampton early today.

Officers are guarding a city carpark after the attack in the early hours.

Daily Echo:

An investigation is underway after two vehicles were found well alight close to Bitterne Station.

Today officers are parked outside bays in Macnaghten Road, Bitterne, where the burnt and blackened vehicles lie opposite the Station pub.

They are treating the blaze as suspicious.

Daily Echo:

The white Vauxhall Astra van and black Mercedes 4x4 were found burning shortly after midnight.

Crews from St Mary's fire station used a hose reel to put out the blaze.

The fire caused severe damage to the back of the van, causing its rear window to shatter and blowing it's back tyre.

It's back door lies blackened on the ground.

The Mercedes has suffered minor damage and a plastic sheet is covering its near side back window.

Daily Echo:

Neighbour Fred Carr, 31, arrived home this morning to see police guarding the street.

He said:"it can be a bad area. I've heard of cars being burned out nearby but never here.

"If my work van went up in smoke I would be in trouble. Itsnt just the van it's tools and other things that might be inside."