ARSONISTS are plaguing a conservation area in Southampton.

Attempts were made to post fireworks and smokebombs through letterboxes in three homes in Oakmount Triangle, Highfield.

An 85-year-old war veteran living in Blenheim Avenue, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "There were flames going right out in the porch followed by clouds of smoke. It was so dense my son-in-law could not see the front door from three feet away "The fire went out by itself, leaving bits of what I think it was a home-made smoke bomb.

"My wife was traumatised. She is on a lot of medication. Her hands were shaking. She did not know what to do. She thought it was a terrorist bomb and would burst out crying when she spoke about it."

Jonathan Smith's home in Westbourne Crescent was targeted by yobs, who dropped a lit firework before they could post it through the door.

Mr Smith said: "We discovered a black mark across our doorstep.

"Someone could have lost their lives or been seriously hurt.

"I can't believe why someone would be so absolutely mindless. They wanted excitement and that was setting someone's house on fire."

A police spokesman said: "The method is virtually the same in all three. Fortunately, no one was injured."

Forensic investigators removed the explosives and examined the scene for evidence.

Vandals have previously targeted the area.

Oakmount Residents' Association secretary Pamela Paul said: "Cars are attacked, windows broken and wing mirrors haphazardly torn off.

"Two houses had their gates removed and deposited in someone else's garden. We think it's youngsters with nothing better to do."

Anyone with information about the incidents on December 30 should contact Hampshire police on 0845 045 4545.