A police officer has described a man who set fire to his own home on Christmas Day as "completely reckless."

Thomas Russell, of Eastleigh, was saved from the burning house and spent six days in a coma after a drugs-induced breakdown led him to ignite the property.

Earlier this week, he was sentenced to four and a half years in prison at Southampton Crown Court and ordered to pay a £228 surcharge.

FULL COURT REPORT: 'Lonely' Eastleigh man set fire to house on Christmas Day

Detective Constable Ryan White, the officer who investigated the case, has now released a statement condemning Russell's "reckless" actions, which he says could have had an "extremely tragic" outcome.

He said: "I am very pleased to see that Russell has been held accountable for his actions that evening.

"Not only did he set fire to his own property, but he also endangered other properties in the process, including the innocent people living in them.

"His actions were completely reckless and could have resulted in an extremely tragic outcome."

Detective Constable Ryan White also thanked those who helped officers build the case against Russell.

DC White said: "I am so very grateful to everyone who has supported us throughout this investigation.

"I understand the lasting impacts that an incident such as this one can have, but I truly hope that those living in the area and the wider community are reassured by this sentence."