A large fire that tore through part of a woodland last night is suspected to have been deliberate.

Fire fighters from Eastleigh tackled the fire off Hemlock Way in Chandler's Ford shortly after 7pm last night.

Several seats, meaning multiple small fires, were extinguished by firefighters.

The fire service believes that the fire was started deliberately and have informed police.

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A spokesperson for Hampshire Fire and Rescue said: "Eastleigh firefighters tackled a large woodland fire off Hemlock Way in Chandler’s Ford shortly after 7pm last night.

"Several seats of fire were extinguished with hose reel jets and beaters.

"Police were informed as it is believed the fire was set deliberately.

"Hampshire Fire and Rescue left the scene shortly after 8pm."

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: "We were called at 7.43pm to a suspected arson near Hemlock Way.

"An investigation is ongoing."