FIREFIGHTERS have been called to a fire at a Southampton funfair.

Crews from Redbridge and Eastleigh fire stations rushed to Children's Pleasure Park near Southampton Sports Centre shortly before 6am today after reports of a fire in the open.

A marquee used for children's birthday parties has been completely destroyed by the flames and the cause of the incidents is under investigation. 

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Manager Fred Salter also said that a children train has been vandalised along with some sheds. 

The 53-year-old has been running the funfair for the last 45 years and said he had just invested his last savings in it, spending about £30,000 to revamp the facilities. 

He said:" I am absolutely devastated. All this fair does is to give entertainment to young children and they have just destroyed it.

"This is all my life. My mum and dad spent their whole life building this park. We have done our best to keep it going and keep it in the family. "

Mr Salter runs the business with his daughter, son and brother. 

"We have been here for 45 years and we have never experienced anything as devastating as this,"he added. 

He said the funfair, which is usually open on weekends, was going to be open every day this week to give children and families a chance to enjoy the school holidays. 

The area has been cordoned off and the funfair is currently closed. 

A spokesperson for Hampshire Fire and Rescue service said the fire was put out by 7.15am. 

She could not confirm if the incident is being treated as arson but said the cause of the fire is under investigation and police have been informed.

A spokesperson for Hampshire police confirmed the force is investigating the incident.