A POLICE investigation has been launched into an arson attack at a Hampshire gym.

Emergency services were called after a blaze broke out in the reception area of Samsons Gym in Eastleigh.

Now it has been confirmed that the fire is being treated as a suspected arson attack.

Three fire engines were called to the gym on Chamberlayne Road just after midnight on Saturday.

They used two breathing apparatus and a positive pressure ventilation to clear the smoke.

However the reception area is now blackened and suffered extreme smoke damage, with the doors and ceiling clearly blackened by the blaze.

Bosses at the gym have thanked customers for their support through this difficult period, and gym users have rallied round to work around-the-clock over the weekend to help it open and clear up the mess.

Danny Harkins who is the owner of the gym, said that it suffered thousands of pounds worth of damage in the reception area, but fortunately the fire did not spread to the expensive equipment.

"The important thing is the gym will be open tomorrow at 7am as per normal thanks to a lot of really good friends who have mucked in to help tidy up the mess.

"What makes me sad is I've worked hard all my life to build a better future for my children and then someone tries to take that away from them.

"I'm a hard working 36 years old businessman and family man and I'm a little old fashioned.

"If I've upset somebody you would hope they might talk to me about it face to face.

"I think what has been done is disgusting and cowardly."

People have also posted their support to the gym on social media, one person wrote: " Awful to have your business targeted, glad you're able to open again so quickly."

"Glad it got sorted quickly. Well done to Hampshire Fire and Rescue."

A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said: "I can confirm that we were called to a fire at Samson’s Gym by HFRS. We are investigating.

"Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting 44170007240."