AN ARSON investigation has been launched after a car was set alight in Southampton.

Firefighters rushed to Cleethorpes Road, Sholing shortly before 5am yesterday after reports of a car on fire.

The vehicle, a Peugeot 206, was severely damaged by the flames.

This comes after a car was set alight in an underground car park below Cabot House flats in Chapel Road in Southampton on Monday evening.

Officers said at this stage it cannot be confirmed if the two incidents are linked.

Crews from Hightown Fire Station were called to Cleethorpes Road at 4.54am yesterday.

David Coleman, 66, retired, from Cleethorpes Road, said he was awake when he saw “high flames”.

“I was awake and suddenly just saw the flames. They were really high, I was worried it would spread in to my garden. There was plenty of smoke, “he said.

And added: “As soon as I saw it the fire brigade turned up. Somebody must have called them before I did.”

Another resident, who lives nearby and did not want to be named, said: “I looked out the window and saw the flames. It’s not what you expect to wake up and find. I just phoned immediately the fire brigade and they said they were already on their way.”

The residents said police officers arrived to the scene later in the morning.

The incident in Cleethorpes Road comes after an arson investigation was launched on Monday after a car was set alight in the carpark below Cabot House in Chapel Road.

As previously reported, more than 10 residents reported the incident to the emergency services after smoke was seen coming from the car park and one person was taken to hospital.

A spokesman from Hampshire police said at this stage the force cannot confirm if the two incidents are linked but confirmed that the incident in Cleethorpes Road is also being treated as arson.

He added: “We can’t confirm at this stage whether this has links to any other incidents, however part of the investigation will look into whether there are any other connected incidents.We were called at 4.57am by the fire service reporting that a Peugeot 206 had been set alight on Cleethorpes Road, Sholing.

“The incident is being treated as arson and enquiries are on-going.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting 44180427179.”