POLICE have launched an arson investigation after three cars were "burnt out" on a "quiet" Southampton street in the early hours of this morning. 

Hampshire Fire and Rescue service confirmed crews responded to reports of a fire on Woodland Close in Thornhill, Southampton at 03:57am. 

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: "A silver Ford Transit van, black Nissan X-Trail and White Ford Transit had been set alight.

"No-one was injured.

"Officers investigating the fires are treating the incident as arson and they will be in the area today carrying out enquiries with local residents."

A spokesperson for Hampshire Fire and Rescue added: "There was a fire involving three vehicles; one was 50% by fire and the other two were 25% by fire."

A Woodland Close resident, who did not wish to be named, reported hearing screaming around 4am. 

They said: " I woke up to a car alarm going off and then the horn was on for a good five minutes. I heard a bit of commotion and then a woman screaming ‘They’re still here.’

"Then there was some more stirring and some banging sounds.

"A few minutes later I looked outside and the car was on fire and started exploding."

An image taken at the scene shows extensive fire damage to one car, with the front of the vehicle appearing to have melted onto the road. 

Daily Echo: Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed there was a fire on Woodland Close in Thornhill this morning (20/11/20) involving three cars.Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed there was a fire on Woodland Close in Thornhill this morning (20/11/20) involving three cars.

Following the commotion, the resident reported seeing a group of "around four or five people in dark jackets" walking away from Woodland Close "towards the (M27) motorway."

They added: "Woodland Close has basically no crime usually so I was shocked."

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information or CCTV footage that would assist police in their enquiries have been asked to call 101 quoting 44200449139.