22-year-old Bransgore man arrested after boat fire in Burnt House Lane

A BRANSGORE man has been arrested after suspected arsonists set a boat alight in a village lane.

Officers were patrolling the area in the early hours of Friday – in response to community concerns about criminal damage and anti-social behaviour – when they noticed the fire in Burnt House Lane.

Three people were seen driving away from the scene towards the village, and the blaze was extinguished by firefighters.

Police carried out house-to-house enquiries, and yesterday (Sunday) a 22-year-old man from Bransgore handed himself in to Southampton Central Station.

He was arrested on suspicion of arson and causing criminal damage, and released on bail.

In a Facebook post, New Forest district commander Chief Inspector Helen Andrews said: “We are fully aware of the impact that incidents like this not only have on the victims of these crimes, but also the wider community.

“Local residents may have seen an increased police presence in the area during the last few days as we continue our enquiries into this incident."

She added: “We will also have officers conducting high-visibility patrols over the coming days and weeks to provide reassurance to local residents – so if you have any further information or particular concerns that you would like to raise to us, then please do speak to one of our officers.

“We want to ensure that the Bransgore community remains a safe place to live and we will be doing everything in our power to make sure that those responsible for these crimes and brought to justice.”