RESIDENTS and shop owners say they are living in fear following a spate of arson attacks in Southampton.

In the latest incident, people fled from their homes in Bitterne amid a gas explosion scare after a fire was lit under a supply pipe.

The fire also left some businesses without phones after cables were damaged, putting card machines out of action.

This follows six other similar incidents in the last two-and-half months all within yards of each other on a row of shops and flats in the Bitterne Road precinct.

A mum-of-one, who asked not to be named but lives in a flat above the precinct in Bitterne Road, said: “I am absolutely petrified. It is shocking.”

She said the incidents had left everyone living in fear of what could happen next.

“Imagine what would have happened if everyone was asleep and did not notice?”

she added.

The latest blaze took hold on a paved area at a flat above Greggs bakery also in the precinct in the early hours of Sunday.

A lean-to began burning in front of an exterior gas pipe, prompting explosion fears. Another 22-year-old resident said: “The heat from the fire was really bad. I had to knock on everyone’s door and tell them. People are just shocked and want to move.”

Just the day before firefighters were called to deal with another fire, this time at the back of the Card Shop, where pallets were set on fire and the shop’s back doors badly fire-damaged – with smoke billowing up to the third storey flats.

Assistant manager of the Card Shop Rachael Mewett said: “There seems to have been a lot of fires all of a sudden.

And it seems to be in the same area.”

Bins and rubbish bags in front and at the back of the row of shops have been torched in seven separate arson incidents, some of which police believe may be linked.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed they were aware of a number of incidents in the area and urged residents to be vigilant.

A spokesman said: “Apart from the inconvenience and understandable concern caused to residents, they are a serious drain on the fire and rescue service, tying up resources that could be needed for a life-saving emergency response.”

CCTV is currently been reviewed and patrols have been stepped up.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Danielle Daltrey said: “We would like to hear from anyone who knows who is responsible or has any information which could help our investigation.”

DC Daltrey at Bitterne Police Station can be contacted on 101, Crimestoppers called anonymously on 0800 555 111.