POLICE have launched a hunt for an arsonist after two car fires in two days in Southampton.

Officers say two Mini Coopers were targeted in Shirley in two nights between Wednesday and Thursday (November 22).

And police warn the two fires, which they are treating as arson, could be linked to a previous spate of vehicle fires in the city.

They are now calling on residents to help identify the culprit, before "someone gets seriously hurt."

Detective Inspector Steve Spencer said: “We believe these fires were committed by the same person and we want to know who that person is before someone gets seriously hurt. "One of these fires has spread to someone’s house and endangered people’s lives.

“We are carrying out a number of enquiries in the local area and reviewing previous arson reports which may be linked.

“If you know who is responsible, or if you have seen anyone acting suspiciously in this area over the last two days, please do get in touch.”

Police say both cars targeted in the most recent fires were Mini Coopers and were set alight in the early hours of the morning.

The first was on Wednesday, November 21 at 2.35am.

A silver Mini Cooper parked on Randolph Street was targeted.

The fire spread to a black Mercedes parked nearby and also spread to an adjacent house.

No-one was injured in the fire.

The second incident happened in the early hours of this morning (Thursday, November 22).

At 3.23am, another Mini was set alight, this time whilst parked on Hanley Road.

Both cars were completely destroyed.

Officers believe the incidents are linked and are appealing for information to identify who is responsible.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting reference 44180436032.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and leave information anonymously.