Arson suspected after firefighters battle outbuilding blaze for two hours

AN arson probe has been launched into a fire which tore through an outbuilding in Pilley, near Lymington, on Saturday night.

Firefighters responded to a call-out around 10pm, reporting the 15-metre x 15-metre timber frame structure was being engulfed by flames on Jordans Lane.

Equipped with breathing apparatus, the crews from Lymington, Beaulieu and New Milton spent over two hours battling to bring the emergency under control.

By the time the fire was extinguished, the entire building had been completely destroyed.

A Hampshire Police spokesperson said it is suspected the fire was deliberately started, and people are being urged to come forward if they witnessed any suspicious activity.

The blaze follows another recent incident in which a barn caught light in Pitmore Lane, north of Pennington.

Anyone with information should contact officers on 101, quoting crime reference number 44190128419, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.