An arson probe has been launched after a park bench went up in flames last night in a village park.

Residents living in properties near Swanmore Recreation Ground took matters into their own hands and tackled the fire with buckets of water and a hose pipe from their garden at 7.40pm, before firefighters arrived.

They reportedly witnessed a group of children "running from the scene".

Hampshire firefighters at the scene.Hampshire firefighters at the scene. (Image: Swanmore Parish Council) Firefighters then used one hose reel jet to extinguish the fire.

The blaze has left the park bench damaged and scorched the grass in the surrounding area.

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Jon Woodman, chairman of Swanmore Parish Council, said he and the rest of the authority was "saddened to see" a "mindless act of vandalism".

The damage left to the park bench after the fire.The damage left to the park bench after the fire. (Image: Supplied) Cllr Woodman said: "We hope that the offenders have learnt a valuable lesson about how quickly fire can spread and the serious consequences that fire causes.

"The fire was spreading across the grass and into the trees which are adjacent to wooden play equipment.

"The Parish Council are extremely grateful to quick thinking residents who helped stop the spread and the Fire Brigade for responding so quickly."

Hampshire police confirmed to the Echo that officers were called at 7.40pm last night, and that an arson investigation has been launched.

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The damage left to the bench and grass after the fire.The damage left to the bench and grass after the fire. (Image: Supplied)

A spokesperson for Swanmore Parish Council said on social media: "Swanmore Parish Council would like to appeal to residents to ask if you saw anything that could identify the suspects at that time. We are aware that there were quite a few residents in the area. 

"If so please get in contact with us or if someone you know has returned home this evening smelling of smoke or may even have a burn, you may want to have a chat with them. 

"CCTV is being reviewed and a police report has been made."

ACSO Gary McCulloch, who has worked in the village for many years, said he was "shocked by the considerable damage" caused by the fire.

"Were it not for the quick thinking residents then it could have been much worse," he said.