HAMPSHIRE Police has confirmed that a recent fire was started deliberately in Ringwood.

Officers and firefighters were called to Hightown Road after reports of ‘large clouds of smoke’ in the morning on September 20.

Buses and motorists were diverted and the road was closed while emergency services dealt with the incident.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said: “We were called at 10:26am this morning regarding a fire on Hightown Road in Ringwood.

“Officers and colleagues from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service attended and officers have been carrying out enquiries to establish the full circumstances of the fire.

“The fire was set deliberately and officers spoke on scene to the man who set the fire. However, we are still assessing the circumstances around the manner in which the fire was started - our enquiries are ongoing at this time.

“The man was not arrested.”

A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire said: “On-call firefighters from Ringwood were alerted to an out of control bonfire on Hightown Road at around half 10 this morning.

“The fire which was in close proximity to a property, was brought under control by hose reels.

“The crew left the scene and returned to station at around 11am.”