POLICE have launched an investigation after a huge fire ripped through a Hampshire building site in a suspected arson attack.

Seven affordable properties under construction were destroyed in the blaze, which caused thousands of pounds of damage and sent sparks flying towards nearby homes.

More than 30 firefighters from eight fire stations across the county tackled the inferno at Fawley Road in Hythe on Saturday night.

Margaret Hook, who lives in nearby Frost Lane, said: “We heard a lot of shouting outside and saw what appeared to be an orange flashing light through the curtains.

“I got up to have a look and some of the homes on the building site were ablaze.

“The properties must have gone up really quickly. Lots of people were out in the street watching, including two girls who were in their dressing gowns.”

A neighbour, who asked not to be named, added: “We could see a big orange glow through the blinds. It was awful - I think I’m still in shock.

“Sparks were flying towards some of the other houses on the building site and firefighters were dousing the roofs with water to stop the blaze spreading.

“Some of the sparks reached the trees lining the road outside our house, which was a bit worrying.

“I went back to bed at 2am. The fire was still burning but I felt a lot safer by then because the sparks had calmed down.”

Portsmouth-based housing association Vivid Homes is building 45 affordable properties on a former greenfield site near Forest Lodge Farm and Seadown Veterinary Hospital

The blaze broke out at the back of the site in an area where homes under construction are still covered in scaffolding.

Builders told police there was nothing on the site that could have caused the fire.

A Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman added: “A construction site in Hythe has been badly damaged following a large fire.

“The flames engulfed one block of four semi-detached homes and one block of three, all which were being built. No-one was hurt in the incident.”

Detective Sergeant Dal Andrews of Hampshire police said: “We’re trying to establish exactly what happened.

“We are appealing for witnesses to come forward and would particularly like footage of the start of the fire, which we believe people filmed on their camera phones and other devices.”

Call Hampshire police on 101 quoting crime reference number 44180007737.