AN ARSON probe is under way after a fire in a Hampshire town.

Officers are investigating after an industrial building in Shore Road, Hythe and a lorry that was parked nearby were severely damaged by the flames.

The blaze broke out shortly after midnight on Saturday and caused £50,000 worth of damage to the vehicle.

 

An eyewitness who did not want to be named said: “We were driving back home after a night out and we came down Shore Road on our way home. We saw the front of the building was alight and a big lorry was parked outside. The lorry was very close to the front of the building. It spread very quickly. It was scaring. The flames were really high. We were really shocked. We called the fire brigades, they arrived very quickly.”

 

Crews from Totton, Beaulieu, Hardley and Hythe rushed to Shore Road at 0.09am on Saturday.

The lorry was completely destroyed in the fire and the nearby building was also damaged but no one was injured.

Valerie Manger, 64, receptionist, from Hythe, said the area was cordoned off on Saturday and several police officers and police vans were seen at the scene.

 

As previously reported, firefighters battled a blaze at the same site on July 3 this year but the cause of the fire was not confirmed.

They were called to the scene at 5am and smoke could be seen pouring out of the building several hours later.

Hampshire Police were unable to confirm if the two incidents are linked.

 

It is understood the business provides services for hotels, restaurants and hospitals in Hampshire and Dorset.

The owner of the business refused to disclose the name of the firm and declined to comment.

Police said the incident is being investigated as an arson.

They added in a tweet: “We’d like any private CCTV businesses or people in the area may have. Call 101 quoting 44180422357.”

Crews used breathing apparatus, hose reel jets, and ventilation equipment to put out the fire.