A HAMPSHIRE family living in fear have vowed to move after an arson attack on their home.

A petrol bomb is thought to have been thrown at the front of the house but bounced off clear plastic sheeting that was placed over the window after the property was vandalised.

The sheeting prevented the incendiary device from smashing the glass and setting fire to the living room.

Last night the tenants of the property on Derby Road said another incident involving someone armed with a hammer had resulted in their front door being reinforced by the landlord.

It is not known if the same person is responsible for all three incidents.

Describing the arson attack the tenants said: “We were inside when we heard the sound of something being thrown against the window.

“We were too scared to investigate but went out the next morning and found black scorch marks on the front of the house.

“The whole place smells of kerosene.

“We don’t know why anyone would do something like this. We’re just tenants – it’s not even our house.”

The family, who asked not to be named, said they had lived in the property for about three years but feared for their safety and planned to move.

They added: “If the object thrown at the window had gone through the glass the fire could have burned the house down. There were kids in there.”

Police have launched an investigation into the incident, which occurred about 11.30pm on Tuesday.

A police spokesman said: “The attempt caused burn marks to the window and the wall of the property but the fire did not take hold and those inside were not aware of anything until they saw the damage in the morning.”

Det Con Keith Evans added “Our investigations are ongoing and we are keen to speak to any who saw anything suspicious in the area that night.

“We know this will cause concern for residents but our neighbourhood officers will be carrying out extra patrols in the area to offer reassurance.

“If you have any worries, please don’t hesitate to speak to them.”

Anyone with information should ring police on 101, quoting 44180086090, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.