AN ARSON probe has been launched after three cars were destroyed during an early morning blaze.
An investigation is underway following a fire in the Cannon Street car park in Shirley, Southampton.
Three vehicles were engulfed in flames at around 4am on Wednesday.
Residents at nearby Shirley Towers reported being woken up by the sound of explosions.
One man even described hearing popping noises as the car tyres burst.
According to police, the incident is being treated as suspicious and as a suspected arson attack.
No one had been arrested as the Echo went to print.
The fire is believed to have initially started in a Vauxhall Corsa before spreading to two Fords parked nearby.
A crew from Redbridge Fire Station was called to the scene and the fire was under control by around 5am.
No one was injured and Hampshire Constabulary was alerted to the incident.
A spokesperson for the force said: “We were called at 4.15am on Wednesday, September 21 by our colleagues at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service making us aware of a vehicle fire in Cannon Street, Shirley.
“Their initial assessment is cause of fire doubtful.
“A total of three cars were damaged by the fire. Enquiries are ongoing.”
Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101.
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