FIREFIGHTERS rushed to an area of gorse yesterday after reports that it had been deliberately set alight.

At 6.33pm on Wednesday, crews from Hardley Fire Station were called to Fawley Inclosure just off of Beaulieu Road North, Beaulieu.

A fire engine and a Land Rover attended the blaze which is thought to have been set deliberately.

Crews used a hose reel jet to put out the fire upon arrival.

They left the scene at 6.55pm and informed Police and Forestry England of the incident.

A police spokesperson said: "We received a report from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service at 6.59pm yesterday evening (15 Sept) to alert us to an arson at Fawley Inclosure on Beaulieu Road North, Beaulieu.

"Were you in the area at the time? Did you see what happened?

"Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting reference number 44210371356."