POLICE are investigating two public order incidents in a Hampshire town where tensions are running high following a man's death.

Stones were thrown at a house and arsonists set fire to rubbish behind a High Street store after Shaun Wells was found dead at his home in Whitsbury Road, Fordingbridge.

Following the discovery of his body two men were arrested on suspicion of supplying a controlled substance.

However, detectives are refusing to comment on reports that the death of the 23-year-old labourer may have been drug-related.

His family found his body just after 8am on Sunday. Police later confirmed that tensions were running high in the Fordingbridge area and announced that patrols were being stepped up.

Last night they revealed that two incidents in the area were being linked to Mr Wells's death and the subsequent arrests.

Stones were used to damage a house in the nearby village of Rockbourne at 12.30pm on Sunday and rubbish behind the Co-op store in Fordingbridge High Street was set alight a few hours later.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that the blaze was started deliberately.

A police spokesman said: "Shaun Wells was well known and popular in the Fordingbridge area. His death has caused heightened tension in the community, resulting in public order incidents."

Meanwhile, detectives want to hear from anyone who saw Mr Wells in the Fordingbridge Club on the night before he died.

Last night Mr Wells's family was too upset to talk about the tragedy.

Meanwhile the two men arrested - a 25-year-old from Salisbury and a 24-year-old from Fordingbridge - have both been released on bail, pending further inquiries.

Ring Lyndhurst CID on 0845 045 4545 to speak to officers in Operation Gomasio or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.