POLICE have launched an arson investigation after a group of youths set fire to a garden hedge in Southampton.

The blaze, which broke out at Prince of Wales Avenue shortly before 6pm yesterday, caused "significant" damage to a caravan parked beside the hedge.

A police spokesperson said: "This is being treated as arson, and enquiries are on-going to establish the circumstances."

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service received a large number of calls after the blaze broke.

Crews from two fire stations - Redbridge and St Mary's - rushed to the scene. They quickly extinguished the fire and were stood down at 6.33pm.

One of the people driving through the area at the time said: "My four-year-old son was with me in the car.

"He was pretty amazed and worried for the people, which I found so caring.

"I was more interested in getting us past the inferno as cars were stopping with ash sparks flying all over the road.

"If I hadn't had my son with me I would have offered to help move a caravan as I have a tow hook on the back of my pickup truck."

There are no reports of any injuries.

Anyone with information about the incident can contact police on 101, quoting crime reference number 44210077334.