Witness appeal following fire in Basingstoke

We are appealing for witnesses and information following a fire in Basingstoke.

Officers were called at 3.22am on 24 September to a report that a sofa and industrial bin near a building on Alencon Link had been set on fire.

The fire service quickly extinguished the fire and an investigation was launched. No injuries were reported.

As part of our enquiries, a 45-year-old man from Basingstoke was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered.

He has been bailed with conditions, pending further enquiries.

As part of our ongoing investigation, officers would like to speak with a man who was in the area at the time.

He has been described as white, aged between 20 and 30, and of broad build. He was wearing a dark puffer gilet with a hood up, dark trousers and white Nike trainers with an orange tick.

Did you witness the incident? Did you see a man in the area matching the description above? Do you have any footage that could help our investigation?

Anyone with information is asked to contact 101, quoting the reference number 44250431866.

You can submit information online here: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/

You can also contact Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website.