ARSONISTS are thought to have caused a blaze which wrecked two railway carriages at the Watercress Line in Alresford.

Damage suffered during the attack is estimated at about £20,000 and came just two days before the popular tourist attraction reopened after its winter break.

Yesterday the running of trains was unaffected as the destroyed carriages were due to be refurbished and out of service.

Firefighters from Alresford, Winchester, Eastleigh, Alton and Basingstoke spent more than three hours tackling the flames after the alarm was raised at 9.30pm on Friday.

They used two jets and two hoses with two firefighters in breathing apparatus at the sidings close to Perins School. Two carriages, including a buffet car, were gutted and two suffered minor smoke damage.

David Snow, chairman of the Mid Hampshire Railway, said: "I arrived at about 11pm and there were still flames. We are looking at arson.

"But it won't have any impact on the running of the railway. These coaches were waiting an overhaul. They were not in our plans for this year."

For Jim Lawrence, carriage fitter, the fire represents the destruction of scores of hours' labour. He had produced upholstery which was stacked in one carriage ready to recover 48 seats.

He said: "It is unprintable what I think. I would like to make them pay. We have been up against vandals for a long time. We put extra fencing up so we thought it was secure, but they always find a way. We are going to have to put stronger fences up but it is impossible to make the whole railway secure."

Insp Chris May, of Winchester police, said: "The cause is 85 per cent doubtful. Fire investigators cannot be 100 per cent certain because very little is left.

"It would appear the cause is doubtful and we have logged it as criminal damage. If anyone saw anyone hanging around the area within an hour before the alarm at 9.30pm, please contact Alresford police."