POLICE are investigating after two caravans caught fire in one night.

The vans in Bitterne and Sholing were ablaze within hours of each other - while one fire caused "significant damage" to a house and neighbouring vehicles.

Residents on Ruby Road said they were woken to a "fuff" in the early hours of the morning and looked outside to see their newly-bought van on fire.

Owner Julie Broomfield said she had just bought the van last Friday.

She said: "My daughter and I got woken by a big 'fuff' and it was alight.

"The neighbours have got CCTV footage with a cyclist around the caravan.

"Then it shows him forcing the door and trying to light something inside. "The fire crew that attended had just fought another caravan fire in Sholing on Ludlow Road.

"I don't know what's more gutted - me or the van. I bought it last Friday. I was planning on going everywhere in it.

"We thought maybe an appeal would help catch this guy. Anything that can help the police find him."

A spokesperson for Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed said they were called to the fires at 1.48 and 2.47 this morning.

Crews from Hightown and St Mary's fought the blazes.

The van on Ruby Road was said to be "fully involved" while the campervan on Ludlow Road was 75 per cent damaged by fire.

Two vehicles belonging to neighbours on Ruby Road were also damaged - as well as Julie Broomfield's porch.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said: "At 3.07am on Tuesday, 21 August officers received a report of a caravan on fire. The caravan was parked on a driveway on Ruby Road, Southampton. Significant damage was caused to the caravan and the front of the house it was parked in front of. Damage was also caused to two other vehicles parked nearby.

This is under investigation and anyone with information should contact Hampshire Constabulary on 101 44180316342."

They added: "Just after 2.30am on Tuesday, 21 August officers received a report of a motorhome on fire on Ludlow Road, Southampton.

"The matter is under investigation and officers are looking at whether this incident is linked to another fire on Ruby Road.

"Anyone with information should contact Hampshire Constabulary on 101 quoting 44180316198."